Customer Reviews

Unity

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Being a big Cohen fan and owning his first three "solo" CDs, I was afraid that I'd miss his bass playing. Not the case, or at least not enough to make me not enjoy this CD immensely. His skills on piano are formidable, and, while he's not Keith Jarrett or Fred Hersch, he wisely does not try to be and just plays some solid piano on top of, around, and between some very solid arrangements. He picks up the bass on a few tracks, but his piano skills are predominant. When I saw the word "vocals" on the cover, I was a bit scared, too. He doesn't "sing," as in with lyrics and a clear melody--he just vocalizes along with his playing, which is really cool in spots. No Keith Jarrett grunts and groans.

The theme of Unity is expressed on virtually every track, each of which seems to come from a different vein and nationality of music. The first couple of tracks have a very Latin feel, then some Middle Eastern rhythms sneak in, with a hint of classical here and there. This approach must have been a challenge to each of the musicians, a challenge to which they rose and met strongly! Really nice brass work from Lebovich on trombone and particularly Urcola on trumpet and flugelhorn. Nice flute work from Lebovich on the final track, "To the Love." Despite the individual talents of each, they seem to unify and play as one throughout the sets. No one tries to steal the show with a huge solo or domination on a single track. They play together for a common goal: good music!!

Track one, "Short Story," is a great way to open the CD and sets the stage for the wide array of styles, tempos, rhythms to follow. "Pause," a brief piano solo in the middle, also typifies this variety within a minute and ten seconds. "A Child is Born," track nine, is a standout piece on the disc and is worthy of some major recognition.

This band has forged a very unique sound, without being completely weird and unlistenable. They have combined some interesting instruments, arranged them spectacularly, mixed in a variety of basic styles, and have produced a quality product. If you are a fan of Cohen's previous work, don't shy away from this less bass-oriented CD. He could have just cranked out another successful solo CD (which would have been fine), but kudos to Cohen for pushing the envelope with this project. Great liner notes allow us to learn about the forming of the band and their work together. Thanks!

I was amazed to find that Cohen was able to achieve even more than what he did with his first three records. This 'Unity' is so full of wonderful melodies and exciting latin rhythms. This is the first album in which the trumpet is a leading instrument. It adds a perfect touch to this great recording. By the way, Avishai, a double bass player, is playing the piano on this one with great results! I'm astonished by the accomplishments of this incredible composer. You need this album !

This is new, original, cutting-edge music that is not afraid to be accessible. Cohen has no interest in obfuscation or esoterica. He uses a myriad of ethnic influences, from Israeli to Brazilian to African to synthesize a new music that is intelligent, exciting and engaging on every level. There is not a weak track on this CD; even "A Child Is Born", a jazz standard that has been covered almost as much as "You Don't Know What Love Is", is reborn under Cohen's deft aegis.

I had Avishai on my eye for some time, everytime I went to the record store I listen to was available from him. Them I heard this record. I listen to the first song only, it was enough... I thought "It must be great" them I bouht it and I was even more surprised for the rest of the record, and the rest of the tunes. Avishai's playing/composing is great but also is band is superb. Trumpeteer Diego Urcola is simply astonishing, with is sound, musical speech and taste... But not only him, also the others are great! I understand why Avishai thanked the producer for the listing of tracks, it's because they are very well listed letting the thing grow and making us wanna listen to it from beggining to end. Buy it please.

"A CHILD IS BORN" and "SONG FOR MY BROTHER", highlight this latest release from bassist/composer/pianist and all around talented young man Avishai Cohen, with a backup that stirs all emotions through the sounds of mixed cultures and introduces you to an experience unlike any other.

Avishai Cohen shares his inner most feelings of jazz, Latin and Middle Eastern compositions, this can only be described "original" and "appealing" to all people in the world of music, especially jazz...with the help of The International Vamp Band, this is not one to be missed.

Total Time 63:02 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord/Stretch Records SCD-9036-2 ~ (2001)

UNA GRABACIÓN SIN PRECEDENTES SOLAMENTE HACE QUE EL OYENTE QUE LA ESTÉ ESCUCHANDO EXPERIMENTE MENTALMENTE Y ANALICE LO QUE YA ELLOS COMO MÚSICOS GENIALES CREARON.

I heard Avishai play in a small club in Northampton, MA. At the end of his knockout show, there was a parade of all of the spectators who shook his hand and bought this CD on the way out. He is a wonderful stand-up bassist, and is very creative as a bass player, probably more than his ability as a pianist. But he is also a tremendous composer, and is helped here by the very talented horn man Diego Urcola (although there is no weak position on this album.) The sound is Latin/Middle Eastern with a very healthy dose of Chick Corea. They totally nailed the cut "Etude" live, and you can get a good feel for this on the CD. BUY THIS CD! Avishai is very cool.

The product came timely and it was carefully wrapped and packaged. Delivery was on time too.
The seller kept with his/her transaction promises and details.
Good job.

i'm so glad i purchased this album.
i had so much wonderfull experiences with this music.

certainly - there is something hidden over there, something you just can't tell what it is, and you don't wanna difine it. simply the presence of LOVE.

buy this one - it's a healing music, so uplifting and full of gentle mussages of love.


that album is the reason why i making music, with an ensemble - with one goul - to sound like ONE BEING, with a clear worldless message.

amazing.

UNA GRABACIÓN SIN PRECEDENTES SOLAMENTE HACE QUE EL OYENTE QUE LA ESTÉ ESCUCHANDO EXPERIMENTE MENTALMENTE Y ANALICE LO QUE YA ELLOS COMO MÚSICOS GENIALES CREARON.