Avishai Cohen: As Is

Miss. Wheeler is a free lance journalist, model and aspiring actress. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from a private Jesuit University and is pursuing a Juris Doctorate, focusing on Entertainment Law.

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Published: July 20, 2007

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AAJ: Right, that is really evident, especially when watching As Is (Razdaz Recordz, 2007), your DVD recording of your performance at the Blue Note in New York City. It is a great recording, and you can really see and hear that freedom you mentioned. It captures the camaraderie of the band. Do you prefer to play small venues or larger audiences in arenas? I am sure you can really feed off of the energy of the audience in a smaller venue.

AC: Exactly, you are right about that. There are pros and cons to everything. The Blue Note is great because it is very personal. Whereas a concert hall may not be as personal as a smaller venue, sometimes the larger crowd has a different energy that you don't get sometimes from a smaller crowd.

AAJ: I think you fuse the east and the west very well in your music. You can hear the different influences infused throughout your material. You and your band are really skilled improvisers, and it is intriguing to watch. That is definitely something that people want to see when going to hear live jazz.

In the future when you look back on your body of work, what do you hope to have achieved?

AC: I hope to have achieved success in embracing the music, and embracing people with the music, and being embraced back by the whole situation—to feel that I have given communication to the people through my music.

We have currently been touring, and I have been feeling very welcomed by the fans all over the world. It is great to see the music being embraced by the fans, and I want to say thank you to all of them for being part of the whole picture.

Selected Discography

Avishai Cohen, As Is (Razdaz Recordz, 2007)
Avishai Cohen, Continuo (Razdaz Recordz, 2006)
Diego Urcola, Viva (Cam Jazz, 2006)
Avishai Cohen, At Home (Razdaz Recordz, 2005)
Malene Mortensen, Date With A Dream (Criss Cross Records, 2005)
Edward Simon, Simplicity (Impulse Records, 2005)
Avishai Cohen, Lyla (Razdaz Recordz, 2004)
Jon Weber, Simple Complex (Second Century Jazz, 2004)
Various Artists, Concord Records SACD Sampler, Vol. 1 (Concord, 2003)
Charene Dawn, Dark Angel (Sirocco Jazz Limited, 2002)
Avi Lebovich, Constant Chase (Fresh New Sound, 2002)
Michael Feinstein, Michael Feinstein With the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (Concord Records, 2001)
Avishai Cohen & The International Vamp Band, Unity (Stretch, 2001)
Chick Corea New Trio, Past Present & Futures (Stretch, 2001)
Chick Corea, Originations (Stretch, 2000)
Various Artists, Jam Miami (Concord Picante Records, 2000)
Jason Lindner, Premonition (Stretch, 2000)
Tim Garland, Made By Walking (Stretch, 2000)
Tony Purrone, Six String Delight (Steeplechase, 2000)
Larry Goldings, Voodoo Dogs (Palmetto Records, 2000)
Claudia Acuna, Wind From the South (Verve Records, 2000)
Seamus Blake, Sunsol (Fresh Sound, 2000)
Chick Corea, Corea.Concerto (Sony, 2000)
Avishai Cohen, Colors (Stretch, 1999)
Avishai Cohen, Devotion (Stretch, 1999)