Visiting Fellowship for Avishai Cohen
Friday 18 March 2011
World renowned Israeli jazz musician, Avishai Cohen, will be taking time out from his non-stop international touring schedule to receive a Visiting Fellowship from Southampton Solent University.
In celebration of his award – presented in recognition of his achievements as a jazz bassist, composer, singer and arranger of international renown – Cohen will be performing a short concert in the University’s performance studio on Tuesday 22 March at 2pm.
Cohen, who grew up on a Kibbutz in Northern Israel, started playing the piano at the age of nine when - inspired by legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius – he changed to the bass guitar at the age of 14. He later studied upright bass with maestro Michael Klinghoffer and moved to New York, where he could often to be found busking in streets, subways and parks. He studied music at The New School for Music and was subsequently approached by pianist Danilo Perez to join his trio.
His key breakthrough came when he was given a record contract by legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea, and became a founding member of Corea’s sextet, Origin. He performed with the band until 2003 before moving on with his own music and group.
Based in Tel Aviv, Cohen continues to tour the globe bringing a unique brand of world music to an ever growing international fan base. His 12th album Seven Seas - described as his most exciting album to date – is released on 21 March.
Following his award and performance, Cohen will take part in a Q&A session and press conference for students and guests, before resuming his tour at the Union Chapel, Islington,London on 24 March.
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