Clarinetist Anat Cohen is a true Renaissance woman. Classically trained in her homeland of Israel, she came to the U.S. in 1996 and immediately joined the all-woman DIVA Jazz Orchestra for tours around the globe. Her sense of tradition was inspired by time with David Ostwald's Gully Low Jazz Band, her ability to capture world and Latin music inspired by Paquito D'Rivera, Anat has celebrated Benny Goodman and Fats Waller live at The Village Vanguard; her original spark bolstered by good friend, composer & arranger Oded Lev-Ari.
On this new recording, captured live with the world renowned WDR Big Band, conducted by Oded, we are treated to a family affair, with Anat on clarinet joined by older brother Yuval Cohen on soprano sax, and younger brother Avishai on trumpet.
Earlier this month Anat celebrated her 50th birthday with performances at Jazz At Lincoln Center.
Here, we get the gifts, as the 3 Cohens & WDR Big Band present a program of originals, a modern rendition of Tiger Rag, and a wonderful re-imagination of Gerry Mulligan's Festive Minor.
