Avishai Cohen, a prominent figure in international jazz and one of the most sought after players of his generation, is described as “an assertive trumpeter with a palate for modernism” by Nate Chinen, The New York Times. Although Avishai Cohen is deeply rooted in post-bop and bebop, he is now taking jazz to new places, becoming a composer, improviser and bandleader. He was born in Tel Aviv and began performing when he was 10. He began performing at age 10 with the Young Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Later, he became the preferred trumpet player for many top jazz, rock, pop and studio projects. He was awarded a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, Boston. In 1997, he finished third in Thelonious Monk Jazz Trumpet Competition. Avishai was born in the New York jazz club Smalls. There he learned his craft alongside fellow musicians Omer Avital, pianist Jason Lindner and vocalist Claudia Acuna. The imperatives of jazz tradition u0026 innovation did not clash here, but were merged into one powerful creative stream. Avishai thrived in an environment that incorporated hard-driving swing, open funk, Latin rhythms, Middle Eastern rhythms and complex extended forms. This created a supportive audience. This broad-minded heritage has influenced Avishai’s varied work as a leader and co-leader, and made jazz more relevant and alive in the 21st Century. Avishai’s debut as a leader was in 2003 when he joined The Trumpet Player. This was a straightahead session featuring bassist John Sullivan (Roy Haynes), drummer Jeff Ballard, (Chick Corea and Pat Metheny), and Joel Frahm (tenor). After The Big Rain is Avishai’s second album. This is part of the “The Big Rain Trilogy”, a series that is nearing completion. The trilogy also contains Before The Rain (part 1), a large group outing, as well as Flood (part 2), a trio encounter featuring Yonatan Avishai (piano) and Daniel Freedman (percussion). Avishai’s music can be described as a mix of moody and joyful, richly atmospheric, beat-driven, and grooving. It is also richly influenced by world music and inspired improvisation. Avishai can play open or muted trumpet, but he also uses electronic effects to route his horn. These effects range from dreamy to snarling and distorted. These sounds have been developed over the past decade. He says, “When I play effects I play a new instrument.” The whole concept changes.” Avishai has also been a part of the San Francisco Jazz Collective, sharing the stage with Bobby Hutcherson and Keren Ann, a celebrated French-American singer-songwriter. Avishai also co-leads Third World Love with Omer Avital and drummer Daniel Freedman, as well as pianist Yonatan Avishai. The group has four recordings. Along with drummer Adam Deitch and bassist Me’shell Ndegeocello, Avishai leads a funk-oriented group called Third World Love. He continues to perform with the 3 Cohens that he founded with Anat, his brother Yuval and both gifted reeds players. Avishai is a world-spanning musician and has incredible instrumental skills. Ben Ratliff says Avishai “has all the power, determination and willpower he needs.” bio taken from artist’s site www.avishaicohenmusic.com
