Avishai Cohen

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Avishai Cohen

Image:Avishai Cohen 29 Nov 2007.jpg

Avishai Cohen in Kiev, 29 November 2007

Avishai Cohen (born 1970, in Jerusalem) is an Israeli jazz bassist, composer and arranger. He grew up in a musical family in a small town near Jerusalem. As a child, he played the piano, but at the age of 14 he moved to the bass guitar. Later, after playing in an Army band for two years, he began studying upright bass with maestro Michael Klinghoffer. Two years later moved to New York City, and got in contact with other jazz players. At the beginning of his stay there he had to struggle, working in jobs like construction. According to him his first year there was the most difficult year of his life, having to play bass in the streets, subways and parks. Cohen also mentioned that he does not miss New York at all, and would love to live in Israel for this is where he feels at home. After a long period of performing in small clubs, Cohen got a phone call from the jazz genius Chick Corea and was given a record contract. He has performed and toured in two of Chick Corea's bands, Origin and the Chick Corea New Trio. He currently performs with his own group, the Avishai Cohen Trio (with New Jersey's Mark Guiliana on drums, and Israel's Shai Maestro on the piano). His later albums have also been released by this formation with extended lineup (added wind instruments).