REVIEW: 3 Cohens "Family"

Sunday November 06, 2011

from Digital Jazz News

3 Cohens Family Anzic Records 2011

On the fast track to becoming the new first family of jazz, The 3 Cohens release Family where the family is joined by very special guests including rising star Aaron Goldberg on piano as well as Gregory Hutchinson on drums and the legendary Jon Hendricks makes a special appearance on the tunes “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” and “Roll ‘Em Pete.”

Family kicks off with a blistering “Shufla De Shufle” by Avishai Cohen. “Rhapsody In Blake” is another smoker penned by soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen and reconfirms the decidedly more traditional bent of this recording. There is a subtle slightly musical ironic sense of humor as for those that listen closely may pick out the jazz standard “I Hear A Rhapsody” just under the surface of “Rhapsody In Blake.” The Duke Ellington classic “The Mooch” is taken with a slightly more organic approach as are most of the tunes here but done so in a very accessible if not sophisticated fashion to keep the harder bop enthusiast satisfied while expanding their sound to welcome new listeners as well.

The arrangement of “Tiger Rag” is a stunning display of creativity. While touring with drummer Johnathan Blake, this studio rhythm section of Aaron Goldberg on piano, Matt Penman on bass and Gregory Hutchinson on drums is as good as one can find. From a pure compositional standpoint with standouts that include “Blues For Dandi’s Orange Bull Chasing An Orange Sack” and the title tune “Family” are a testament to the incredible musical and creative level energy that Yuval brings to the table. Anat Cohen is a rising star and Avishai Cohen should be taking his place next to other more traditional players such as the Roy Hargrove’s of the jazz idiom in which they work. An engaging, highly creative and entertaining release that shoots straight to the top of the best of the year category.

Family seems more of a musical celebration of the ties that bind. The 3 Cohen’s Family swings hard but is thoughtful in a work that should finally give them the attention they so richly deserve.

Tracks: Shufla de Shufla; Blues For Dandi’s Orange Bull Chasing An Orange Sack; With The Soul Of The Greatest Of Them All; The Mooch; Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans; Rhapsody In Blake; On The Sunny Side Of The Street; Tiger Rag; Family; Roll ‘Em Pete.

Personnel: Anat Cohen: tenor saxophone & clarinet; Avishai Cohen: trumpet; Yuval Cohen: soprrano saxophone; Aaron Goldberg: piano; Matt Penman: bass; Gregory Hutchinson: drums; Jon Hendricks: vocals.

Read the full review and listen to tracks from the album here

Tiger Rag	4:07
The Mooch	7:16

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