“From Darkness” by the newly formed Avishai Cohen Trio combines light and shadow, composed pieces and improvisation. The refreshingly novel trio sound is not least a result of the relatively young Israeli jazz scene, in which Avishai Cohen is a driving leading figure. Pianist Nitai Hershkovits has already recorded the Echo award-winning duo album “Duende” with Cohen. Now drummer Daniel Dor joins in, who is a relevant jazz drummer but brings a clear rock component to the album.
From Darkness” combines everything that makes up Avishai Cohen and Israeli jazz. The latter is the multicultural reflection of Israeli society with Russian, Polish, German and Southern European roots. In addition, there is the world of Jewish Gypsy music. Cohen is also firmly rooted in classical music through his father.
The largely improvised musical exchanges on “From Darkness” are so dynamic and stimulating that even the attribute varied falls short. Classically influenced tracks like “Ballad for an unborn” stand next to free, fast numbers like “From Darkness” and “Amethist” or the Chaplin classic “Smile”.
“From Darkness” by the Avishai Cohen Trio is certainly not easy listening, but very liberating and really good. If you like jazz trio and are in the mood for (a lot of) new stuff, this is the right album for you.
