Happy Song
All About Jazz describes *Happy Song* as an album that "bounces and swings with all the warmth its title promises." With a vibrant mix of Brazilian rhythms, klezmer influences, and rich jazz harmonies, the album highlights Cohen’s dynamic leadership and the Tentet’s remarkable synergy. Each track bursts with joyful energy and intricate interplay, showcasing the ensemble’s ability to seamlessly weave together diverse musical traditions into a cohesive and exhilarating listening experience.
Credits
- Anat Cohen – clarinet
- Rubin Kodheli – cello
- Nadje Noordhuis – trumpet, flügelhorn
- Nick Finzer – trombone
- Owen Broder – baritone sax, bass clarinet
- James Shipp – vibraphone, percussion
- Vitor Gonçalves – piano, accordion
- Sheryl Bailey – guitar
- Tal Mashiach – bass
- Anthony Pinciotti – drums
- Oded Lev-Ari – musical director
- Recorded by
- Brian Montgomery (Avatar Studios, NYC, August 2016)
- Mixed by
- Brian Montgomery (NYC, January 2017)
- Mastered by
- Mark Wilder (January 2017)
- Cover Artwork by
- Milton Glaser
- Additional Design by
- Steve Skladany
- Band Photo by
- Aline Muller
- Produced by
- Anat Cohen & Oded Lev-Ari
Press
“the exceptional clarinetist Anat Cohen has spanned many genres in concert and on recordings, but never has she covered so much ground so cohesively as on her beguiling new recording … Cohen's clarinet in the most sumptuous environment it has yet encountered … the project illuminating not just the versatility of Cohen's art but the enduring value of her comparatively soft-spoken instrument … a contemplation on Jewish culture past and present, swathed in sadness and joy and delivered with equal parts virtuosity and heart”
— Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
“Anat Cohen can easily get by on the sanguine grace of her clarinet playing, and the way her succinct and joyful compositions elevate it … a 10-piece band playing the wily arrangements of Oded Lev-Ari … He gives the music a different kind of depth and coagulation … the distant electric guitar, vibraphone and accordion evoke the chatter of an urban scene, and the resonance of a fable.”
— Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times
“a present-day multicultural wonder … With the clarinet she becomes a singer, a dancer, a poet, a mad scientist, laughing — musically — with the sheer delight of reaching that new place, that new feeling, with each chorus”
— Orli Santo, Jewish Week
“This music bursts open like the first warm day of spring … Oded Lev-Ari's extravagant arrangements vary from the ebullient title track to his languid "Trills And Thrills." … It's one thing to expect this kind of agility from a small group, but Cohen's 10-piece outfit moves through klezmer drama and '30s swing inflection with a deep authority. … This aptly titled album showcases Cohen's always marvelous and welcoming clarinet, from the Goodman-like champagne of "Oh Baby" to the Pixinguinha-like staccato of "Loro," as well as folk-world feels and some raggedy, Mingus-like ensemble passages. … it unleashes a new wave of emotion and drama … It's the kind of ending that begs for a Happy Song sequel.”
— Jennifer Odell, DownBeat
“her radiant tentet … a lightning bolt etched in crayon, with Cohen's clarinet up front”
— Nate Chinen, WBGO
Details
- Catalog Number
- ANZ-0058
- Released
- October 6, 2017
- Label
- Anzic Records
- Formats
- CD, WAV Download, MP3 Download
- CD UPC
- 602573419809
- MP3 Download UPC
- 602573419816
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