Avishai Cohen: Aurora
October 19, 2010, 8 PM
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C7
$30 advance | $45 at door | $18 students (advance only, limited number available)
Click here to purchase tickets or call 1.888.222.6608
GROUP RATES:
15% off groups of 10 or 15 | 20% off groups of 25
*Please note the group rate is not available at the door. For additional information and to make a reservation, contact Roseanne Mason: 416-638-1881 x.4333 | rmason@kofflerarts.org. Early reservations are encouraged to ensure space.
Download the press release here (PDF)
The Koffler Centre of the Arts is proud to present the acclaimed Israeli bassist and composer, Avishai Cohen in his premier headlining Toronto performance and debuting his new album, Aurora, fusing jazz and world music.
Cohen is an alchemist at heart. Finding inspiration in musicians ranging from Bach to Stevie Wonder, Avishai can transform a tired Israeli school tune back into poetic gold. He can take the Sephardic melodies his grandfather sang in prayer, or his mother hummed while washing dishes, and make them groove. He can take a sinuous and spontaneous jazz bass line turn it into a top forty hit.
AVISHAI COHEN, bass and vocals together with:
Itamar Doari – Percussion
Shai Maestro – Piano
Amos Hoffman – Oud and Guitar
Karen Malka – Vocals
English translations to Avishai Cohen's songs (PDF)
Click here to watch Avishai Cohen perform Morenika
Click here to read Toronto Star article: "Avishai Cohen honed his passion in NY subway" (October 6, 2010)
"One of the most gifted bassists of his generation is finding his own voice as a composer." The New Yorker
"A transcendent example of the capacity of music...to reach beyond geographical and political boundaries." Los Angeles Times
"A jazz visionary of global proportions." Downbeat
"This new album imposes a grace beyond the jazz. this grace has something to do with antique oriental music, flamenco, folk and pop music: a bright blend distilled with mastery." Le Journal du Dimanche, France
“Creates a refined, evolving oeuvre, singular and distinctive. His medium- bodied, textured vocals convey deep feeling and dark mystery.” MOJO
Presented together with Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation.
With promotional support from JAZZ FM.91, Miles Nadal JCC and Small World Music Festival.
Avishai Cohen: Aurora is presented as part of the 9th Annual Daniel Pearl Music Days. For more information: www.danielpearlmusicdays.org
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ABOUT AVISHAI COHEN
Declared one of the 100 Most Influential Bass Players of the 20th Century by Bass Player Magazine, Cohen is not only renowned around the world as an influential double bassist and profound composer, but also as a visionary bandleader and talented singer. In fact, every move Avishai Cohen makes routinely causes waves of critical praise.
Born in 1970 in Israel to a musical family, Cohen set off from Tel Aviv after two years of service in the army band, New York was a logical first destination. During this period he sharpened his skills as a composer and gained an intimate rapport with melody. Avishai was soon in very high demand, accompanying artists such as, Bobby McFerrin, and performing with the London, Israel Philharmonic Orchestras and the Boston Pops Symphony.
Over the years his exploration of his roots, his history and the blending of his influences has become deeper, denser and more moving. Returning to Tel Aviv, he surrounded himself with several key musical partners. He now works closely with lifelong friends and young artists ready to go anywhere he will take them. Amos Hoffman’s oud, Itamar Doari’s creative percussion, Shai Maestro’s delicate touch and Karen Malka’s unique vocals create fertile soil for countless possibilities.
http://www.avishaimusic.com/
www.myspace.com/avishaicohenmusic
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GETTING TO THE ISABEL BADER THEATRE
The theatre is just east of the Museum Subway station. Please see TTC information for further details.
The closest parking includes:
Parking meters along Charles Street West
Charles Street West & St. Thomas Street
Bloor Street (in between St. Thomas and University)
Charles Street West and Bay Street