Avishai Cohen

Avishai Cohen, an Israeli trumpeter and composer, is known for his innovative approach to jazz, blending avant-garde styles with klezmer influences. Born in Tel Aviv in 1978, Cohen rose to prominence in the late '90s and has since led various ensembles, including his Triveni trio and the 3 Cohens with his siblings. He made his debut as a leader in 2003 with The Trumpet Player and has continued to explore diverse musical landscapes through albums like 2016's Into the Silence and collaborations with artists such as pianist Yonathan Avishai.

In addition to his solo work, Cohen has been an active member of the jazz community, collaborating with renowned musicians like Bobby Hutcherson and participating in ensembles like the SFJAZZ Collective. His 2020 release, Big Vicious, with a quintet of Israeli musicians, showcased his versatility and exploration of new sonic territories, combining original compositions with covers of songs like Massive Attack's "Teardrop" and Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Cohen's constant evolution and fearless experimentation have solidified his reputation as a visionary in the contemporary jazz landscape.