Gently Disturbed

Avishai Cohen, Avishai Cohen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 20, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sunny Side
• ASIN: B0015FWRHS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,648 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Seattle

2. Chutzpan

3. Lo Baiom Velo Balyla

4. Pinzin Kinzin

5. Puncha Puncha

6. Eleven Wives

7. Gently Disturbed

8. The Ever Evolving Etude

9. Variations In G Minor

10. Umray

11. Structure In Emotion

Editorial Reviews

Avishai Cohen, one of the most innovative bassists and composers today, will release Gently Disturbed, his first release with his newly configured trio, from May on his own Razdaz Recordz label. While to outward appearances the trio would seem to be the standard piano-bass-drum formula, the music they've created on Gently Disturbed is far from the standard jazz trio repertoire. Featuring nine original compositions (written either by Cohen or by the trio collaboratively), including one traditional Israeli song, Gently Disturbed is an amalgamation of melody and groove, complexity and simplicity that nearly redefines the concept of jazz. With the departure of long-time pianist Sam Barsh, Cohen has slightly reconfigured his trio with the addition of Israeli pianist Shai Maestro. Since Cohen is an accomplished pianist in his own right and has performed on bass with such acclaimed jazz pianists as Danilo Perez, Brad Mehldau and of course Chick Corea, and because the previous keyboard players in his bands (Sam Barsh and Jason Lindner) have been exceptional, it is even more striking to note that Maestro is just 21 years old. Rounding out the trio is the brilliant Mark Guiliana on drums, who has been playing and touring with Cohen since 2003 and who Modern Drummer Readers Poll 2007 cited as "one of the best up-and-coming stars of today's drumming scene." Cohen's releases on Razdaz, which he founded with manager Ray Jefford in 2003, have consistently earned critical approbation, beginning with 2003's Lyla, followed by At Home in 2005, and through to 2006's critically acclaimed Continuo then followed by last year's Double Live CD/DVD release, As Is.Live At The Blue Note (Razdaz / Half Note).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A higher level September 1, 2008

By Andrew Billek

Format:Audio CD

I kept seeing the name Avishai Cohen around so I thought I'd listen. A new world opened for me. Then two days ago I saw him at the Blue Note NYC(which turned out to be not that expensive after all). The difference between seeing him and hearing him is the difference between 6th heaven and 7th heaven. Not only has he begun to create a solid body of work but he is a consummate showman - he wins the audience over with his sincerity, modesty, and appreciation of his sidemen. His technique is awesome, the compositions (an amalgam of Bartok, mediteranean, latin, jazz and maximalism [the interesting version of minimalism]) are fresh and intriguing, and the group's cohesion is frightening. The new pianist who replaces Sam Barsh is fine, though I would have liked to see Barsh - see "As Is" the DVD for a view of this wonderful musician/entertainer. Now the drummer. The most visually exciting drummer I've ever seen AND the most musical. I can't imagine anyone being better (better is not the right word as music is not meant to be a competitive sport but language often fails).
All these words and I haven't even really mentioned the music. Well, you know what I'm gonna say! Buy all this guy's music. You won't regret it.
There is one thing. There always is! The music is very composed, arranged and rehearsed. While there is plenty of spontaneity I don't know how much of the music is improvised. I'd like to see Cohen in a trio where the pianist (someone other than Corea) calls the tunes and see what Avishai does. Avi the side man. Maybe that will be a future CD?

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Classic from Avishai August 27, 2008

By Sean Widlake

Format:Audio CD

This album is great! I love a lot about this album from the compositions which have a little classical influence in them to the percussion which was almost never the same between tracks. The pianist is also great from his runs to improvisation which seemed fresh when he was playing it (I hadn't heard his name before.) What I love the most about this album though would have to be Avishai's contribution to the tracks his bass playing is so incredible it made me smile because some of it was so ridiculously good. All in all i think this is a great addition to the modern jazz collection that Avishai is a big part of. Some of these tracks reminded me of another innovative jazz trio "The Bad Plus" whom i also love listening to. I highly recommend this album to any jazz listener or anyone interested in jazz.
PS sorry for my poorly constructed review

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another lights out performance! July 3, 2008

By Eric Booth

Format:Audio CD

Incredible! Another wonderfully masterful performance. I was first drawn to Avishai for his virtuosity but since then, he has turned into such an fantastic composer. His trio is ridiculously solid and the whole album, with all of its changes in pace and moods, is tight, tight, tight. Don't miss it!