Anat Cohen

Poetica

Released April 2007

With Poetica, Anat Cohen delivers a deeply personal and evocative recording that highlights her lyrical clarinet playing in an intimate, chamber-like setting. Joined by a quartet of downtown Manhattan jazz luminaries and a string quartet, Cohen explores a rich repertoire that spans continents and traditions, seamlessly blending jazz with influences from Brazilian, Israeli, and French music.

All About Jazz captures the album’s essence, noting: “Clarinetist Anat Cohen is the leader, and this is an album she has wanted to record for some time, to share some of what [she has] learned about playing the clarinet in various musical contexts. These are songs, Cohen writes, that she has loved for years. And it's easy to understand why, as they truly are lovely.”

With total command of her instrument, Cohen brings sensitivity and depth to every track. She renders John Coltrane’s “Lonnie’s Lament” with a haunting poignancy, breathes life into a biting Jacques Brel chanson, and offers a soul-stirring interpretation of a ballad by Brazilian songwriter Cavaquinho. The album also features four Israeli songs, two of Cohen’s own compositions, and a piece by bassist Omer Avital—each delivered with warmth and emotional nuance.

Released alongside Noir in April 2007, Poetica serves as a striking contrast to its big-band counterpart, showcasing Cohen’s ability to create an atmosphere of introspection and beauty. Whether weaving through delicate string arrangements or soaring through improvisational flights, Cohen proves that the clarinet is not just an instrument of tradition, but one capable of profound storytelling.

A deeply expressive and intimate work, Poetica stands as one of Cohen’s most heartfelt recordings—a love letter to the music that has shaped her and a masterful testament to her artistry.