3 Cohens

One

Released: January 2007

The 3 Cohens — siblings Yuval (soprano saxophone), Anat (tenor saxophone and clarinet), and Avishai (trumpet) — have been making music together since childhood. Their debut album, One, recorded in a single day in August 2003, showcases their deep familial connection and shared musical vision. As noted by All About Jazz, "With a lyrical sense that is evident at every twist and turn, and an evidently harmonious relationship — both personally and musically — One is a fine debut from a group that, with its first record, already exhibits the kind of 'in the zone' telepathy that most take years to develop."

The album features a diverse selection of compositions, including original pieces by the Cohens and contributions from guitarist Amos Hoffman. Tracks like "Shablul" highlight the siblings' ability to pass motifs seamlessly among themselves, each adding personal nuances before converging in harmonious unity. The inclusion of Hoffman, bassist Gilad Abro, and drummer Shay Zelman expands the trio into a cohesive sextet, enriching the ensemble's sound and driving their musical ideas forward.

One also explores various musical traditions, blending the swing of jazz with elements of klezmer in Yuval Cohen's "In Amirim" and introducing world music influences in "Shir Ha'Emek," which features vocals from the Cohens' parents. This track is dedicated to Yuval's mentor, the late Ziko Gratsiani, adding a personal touch to the album.

While the performances are consistently accomplished, some tracks, like "For My Brother and Sister," exhibit a delicate interplay that borders on restraint. Nevertheless, One serves as an excellent showcase for the siblings as composers and performers, both individually and collectively. As All About Jazz observes, "All three of them have ongoing solo projects and musically distinct careers, but... they benefit most from convening and tapping into the unique relationships forged during their childhood."

- All About Jazz