AVISHAI COHEN / YONATHAN AVISHAI - Playing The Room
ECM 775 2277
Avishai Cohen (trumpet); Yonathan Avishai (piano)
Recorded September 2018
This is an absolutely delightful album, that is a pure joy from beginning to end. Full of surprises that ensure the attention does not wander as the duo spin out their stories in the most melodic and engaging manner. The format also enables us to hear at close quarters both players out of their usual contexts, thus giving a new perspective on the work of the trumpeter and pianist, and also gives a good indication as to how they have grown artistically and laying out some of their influences for us to scrutinise.
Unusual too, in that the repertoire that is largely drawn from the jazz cannon rather than focusing on original compositions. The exceptions being 'Two Lines', written by the pianist, and the superb and aptly titled 'The Opening' by the trumpeter. The other titles are drawn from the pens of Ellington, Milt Jackson and Ornette among others in a set that is full of empathy, companionship, and a level of communication that is staggering.
All the material is skillfully arranged and presented as to blur the lines between lead and supporting instrument, as both musicians rely and support on each other to breathe life into the music. This ensures that none of the music, although readily identifiable, necessarily follows the path one would expect, and therefore the interpretations have a freshness that is invigorating and bears repeated and attentive listening.
The duo rendition of Abdullah Ibrahim's 'Kofifi Blue' contains some sparkling dialogue, while Ornette's 'Dee Dee' retains its off kilter sense of mischief prompting an altogether different response from the pair. Ellington's 'Azalea' get's a respectful and lyrical reading, and 'Ralph's New Blues' by vibes master, Milt Jackson swings hard.
Both play with an uncompromising command of the idiom, and the pianist is never short of something profound to say whether in his solos or in support of Cohen's deeply concentrated and focused lines. The trumpeter plays with a warm and expressive open trumpet sound that cuts through allowing his his cleanly articulated phrases to make their mark on the music, while his muted horn brings a gentle and fragile melodicism to proceedings.
A departure for both musicians and ECM, this is a most welcome release.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 775 2277
Avishai Cohen (trumpet); Yonathan Avishai (piano)
Recorded September 2018
This is an absolutely delightful album, that is a pure joy from beginning to end. Full of surprises that ensure the attention does not wander as the duo spin out their stories in the most melodic and engaging manner. The format also enables us to hear at close quarters both players out of their usual contexts, thus giving a new perspective on the work of the trumpeter and pianist, and also gives a good indication as to how they have grown artistically and laying out some of their influences for us to scrutinise.
Unusual too, in that the repertoire that is largely drawn from the jazz cannon rather than focusing on original compositions. The exceptions being 'Two Lines', written by the pianist, and the superb and aptly titled 'The Opening' by the trumpeter. The other titles are drawn from the pens of Ellington, Milt Jackson and Ornette among others in a set that is full of empathy, companionship, and a level of communication that is staggering.
All the material is skillfully arranged and presented as to blur the lines between lead and supporting instrument, as both musicians rely and support on each other to breathe life into the music. This ensures that none of the music, although readily identifiable, necessarily follows the path one would expect, and therefore the interpretations have a freshness that is invigorating and bears repeated and attentive listening.
The duo rendition of Abdullah Ibrahim's 'Kofifi Blue' contains some sparkling dialogue, while Ornette's 'Dee Dee' retains its off kilter sense of mischief prompting an altogether different response from the pair. Ellington's 'Azalea' get's a respectful and lyrical reading, and 'Ralph's New Blues' by vibes master, Milt Jackson swings hard.
Both play with an uncompromising command of the idiom, and the pianist is never short of something profound to say whether in his solos or in support of Cohen's deeply concentrated and focused lines. The trumpeter plays with a warm and expressive open trumpet sound that cuts through allowing his his cleanly articulated phrases to make their mark on the music, while his muted horn brings a gentle and fragile melodicism to proceedings.
A departure for both musicians and ECM, this is a most welcome release.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
