Anat Cohen

Clarinetwork: Live at the
Village Vanguard

Released: April 2010

Anat Cohen’s Clarinetwork: Live at the Village Vanguard, inspired by Benny Goodman and celebrating his centennial, is a musical tour-de-force. Recorded live at one of jazz’s most revered venues, the album captures Cohen’s masterful command of the clarinet, reaffirming its rightful place at the forefront of jazz.

Winner of three consecutive Jazz Journalists Association “Clarinet Player of the Year” awards and multiple “Rising Star Clarinet” honors in DownBeat critic’s polls, Cohen leads an all-star rhythm section—pianist Benny Green, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Lewis Nash—through a set that swings hard while embracing deep musicality.

All About Jazz calls it “a fitting homage to Goodman, capturing the spirit of his music while infusing it with a modern sensibility.” Indeed, Cohen’s fluid and expressive playing pays tribute while also pushing forward, showcasing her ability to balance tradition with contemporary improvisation. The album bursts with energy, from the driving rhythm of “Sweet Georgia Brown” to the elegance of “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” making it as much a celebration of jazz history as it is a testament to Cohen’s artistry.

With Clarinetwork, Cohen doesn’t just honor Goodman—she revitalizes the clarinet’s role in jazz, proving it’s not just an instrument of the past but one still capable of leading the charge into the future.