This impressive disc consists of series of duets with pianist Nitai Hershkovits, mixing originals with jazz standards in a conversant manner that makes you feel like you’re part of a dialogue between old friends. Cohen uses his bass for bowing, picking and even slapping throughout the disc, even using all three on “Signature” before delivering an “Eleanor Rigby” sounding background to Hershkovits’ plunking piano on Thelonious Monk’s “Criss Cross.” A sonata sounding “Four Verses/Continuation” and waltzing “Ann’s Tune” reveal impressive teamwork, and a gentle “Central Park West” is in contrast to the cat and mouse chase on Cole Porter’s “All of You.” Cohen delivers a solo piano take of “Ballad for an Unborn” to close the disc on a reflective scale, as if finishing the conversation by himself after his buddy has left the coffee shop. Nice partnership!
Sunnyside Records
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