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Avishai Cohen at International Festival de Jazz de Montreal
Courtesy Daniella Feijoo
Avishai Cohen's June 26th performance at the Pub Molson as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal featured an awe-inspiring set list that included his own original contemporary jazz and world music tracks, and a classical arrangement.
Pub Molson Stage
International Festival de Jazz de Montréal
Montréal, Quebec
June 26, 2026
Avishai Cohen's June 26th performance at the Pub Molson as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal featured an awe-inspiring set list that included his own original contemporary jazz and world music tracks, and a classical arrangement. The phrase "something for everyone" is no exaggeration here; with vivid guitars and two drummers onstage, the performance was thrilling. Aspects of trip-hop, hard rock, and standard jazz all played a role in this exciting offering.
The globally recognized trumpeter and composer offered up a set list which included tracks and compositions from previous and upcoming releases. The compositions "Teardrop" and "Honey Fountain" from Big Vicious (ECM Records, 2024), and movements from Ashes to Gold (ECM Records, 2024) roused the audience; weaving between classic sounds, measures of the avant-garde, and brash, crashing percussion and guitar solos brought the (mostly seated) listeners to their feet.
Cohen's virtuosity, calm yet commanding demeanor, and clear camaraderie with the team onstage brought the audience steps closer to him with each song. In this iteration of the band, a project labeled Big Vicious, drummers Ziv Ravitz and Aviv Cohen provoked the audience to move. Both guitarists Yonatan Albalak and Uzi Ramirez showed off their dynamic playing styles by moving seamlessly between gentle picking and powerful licks.
Cohen gives some of himself away with every note, drawing his instrument to his chest with love and gratitude; we are privileged to share this moment with him. As authentic a performer as he is, there are aspects of the trumpeter's past that are reflected in his stance and delivery; Cohen can bring powerful, straightforward projection like Freddie Hubbard, or turn the focus inward with the achy forward lean of Miles Davis. Cohen can be gentle without seeming weary, and can stun with big blasts of sound with swagger (and a smile).
The Montreal Jazz Festival stands as a true symbol of diverse, inclusive art and Cohen's compositions surely reflected the tone of this event. On only the second day of the renowned festival, we may have already been treated to the best in show.
About Avishai Cohen - Trumpet
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