Description
Label Review.
2020 album. Trumpter. ECM. Also availble on CD.
Our Overview.
Considered one of the best trumpeters in the world, charismatic trumpeter Avishai Cohen, the virtuoso bassist who often combines his eclectic and acoustic jazz with Mediterranean and Israeli folk traditions, launched his homegrown band Big Vicious six years ago, after relocating from the US to his native Israel, rounding up friends to shape the music from the ground up.
Big Vicious is another project in which a special sound is created. A combination of rock & roll, psychedelia, groove, jazz and more, all in great synergy. This project began several years ago in New York, where the writing and collection of materials began, and was also played by bassist Michel Nedgochello. In order to create this project in Israel, Avishai chose a non-standard ensemble of two drummers, two guitarists, leaving the ensemble without bass, giving the musicians a new and uncharacteristic space and reaching new heights. The musical format of the show makes room for interaction with musical guests from different worlds.
Guitarist Uzi Ramirez, bassist Jonathan Albalak and drummer Aviv Cohen write much of the material together with Avishai. Ziv Ravitz, from Avishai’s acoustic quartet, was recruited as second drummer a year ago. “We’re all coming from jazz, but some of us left it earlier”, Avishai says, summing up the stylistic reach of his cohorts. “Everyone’s bringing in their backgrounds, and that becomes part of the sound of the band.” Textures from electronica, ambient music and psychedelia are part of the blend, so too grooves and beats from rock, pop, trip-hop and more. A wide-open approach to cover versions – from Massive Attack to Beethoven - is also integral to the Vicious vision.
Recorded in Studios La Buissonne in the South of France in August 2019 and produced by Manfred Eicher, Big Vicious’s debut album is issued as the band gears up for extensive international touring, including Love Supreme in July.
Tracklisting: 1. Honey Fountain / 2. Hidden Chamber / 3. King Kutner / 4. Moonlight Sonata / 5. Fractals / 6. Teardrop / 7. The Things You Tell Me / 8. This Time It’s Different / 9. Teno Neno / 10. The Cow & The Calf / 11. Intent