Features
Conversation With Acoustic Extraordinaire Avishai Cohen
Avishai Cohen is one of the most recognized and respected bassists on the scene today. His strengths as a bassist, composer, and leader have brought him deeply into the public’s eye, and it’s well deserved. Praise from his contemporaries and beyond is also well documented…
“He’s a genius musician” Chick Corea…
“A jazz visionary of global proportions” Down Beat Magazine…
“One of the 100 Most Influential Bass Players of the 20th Century” Bass Player Magazine…
I spoke with Avishai after his very successful tour here in the US.
Jake: Lets talk about your latest release “As Is”. I seriously enjoyed your playing on that CD, but I was equally impressed with your compositional skills. Can you tell me a little about your approach as far as your writing goes?
Avishai: I’ve never had or have any specific approach; I guess it’s what I am, and comes out in some way. I never have a specific agenda. My vocabulary, my influences, all the years of loving music and checking out all the music that’s around me, the great musicians, the people I hear, just encompassing that, and having the tools to express myself is what brings the composition out. More than that I can’t tell you, I don’t really know.
Jake: The interaction between you, Sam, Mark, and Jimmy on this CD is quite moving. How did you come about choosing these particular players?
Avishai: They used to come to my shows with my first band in New York in the 90’s that played at some small jazz clubs. They came to those shows when they were young college students. I remember Mark had a friend named Brian Killeen who was attending William Patterson College. Brian came up to me and asked to study with me on bass. I started teaching him, and we became friends, and I got to know Mark through Brian. One thing lead to another, and they called me to play with them once at school, and I went and really enjoyed Marks playing.
It was time for me to get a new band together, and I was thinking of a trio, and I thought Mark would be perfect because he had this multi-interest in music. He’s not only just a jazz player, he actually comes more from rock, and I liked that. Sam was the same. He was this very open-minded, able, and willing type of player that could go anywhere, and together we formed this unit that played for a few years. It had great energy and we had a great time playing together.
Jake: Your improvisational skills are quite exceptional. Can you give me your thoughts on how you more or less developed your style and approach?
Avishai: Again, anything is an influence. I grew up on a lot of classical music, as well as anything that was playing on the radio, like the Beatles or any other pop or rock. I love Stevie Wonder — I love many things that have nothing to do with jazz or improvisation. These are great foundations of music that leads then to a platter of choices for expressing yourself as an improviser.
I found as a little kid that I had the notion or the need to express myself freely. That led me to appreciate what jazz had to offer. It provided me musically with a place for the “needing”, that wanting to play free.
Other than that I was just listening to a bunch of different musicians from many different genres, or any great jazz legends as well as new legends I encountered in New York. Just soaking up everything. Jaco was a great source for me, as well as a lot of other people, and before you know it, you have this language that’s your own, and you express yourself, and watch these different things come out.
Jake: You definitely display some unorthodox techniques within your playing. Were they triggered by specific players, or did they kind of evolve on their own?
Avishai: Well, first I wanted to articulate my abilities on the electric, because I played the electric before I played the upright. I had great facility on the electric and I wanted to have that same freedom on the upright, so I worked really hard on getting my right hand situation together so my two fingers could move around very freely on this new “beast” of an instrument.
Other than that I worked on a lot of classical bowing so I could really get myself together on the instrument, which is the only way to really master this instrument.
Beyond that I was exposed to a lot of Latin music in New York, as well as players like Paul Chambers, and bebop music. I was really into the Latin rhythms and bass players like Andy Gonzoles. Andy once showed me this concept of tapping on the side of the bass while playing open strings that he learned from the legendary Cuban bassist Cachao that encompassed a whole tradition of bass playing from Cuba where you use the bass as a percussion instrument as well. So I took that and kind of ran with it, and developed it into other influences that I have from Middle Eastern music, and what came out of that is this whole other new technique that I today incorporate into my playing.
Jake: What in your opinion has changed for you being a leader with the responsibilities that ensue, as opposed to being a sideman?
Avishai: It’s a natural change for me. It’s a natural process in my growth, and it just kind of evolved. After putting a lot of years and time into other people’s great music, especially in New York, I realized I had my writing, and that side of me that was interested in developing my own desires in music and exploring that with my favorite musicians. New York led me slowly but surely to the point that where a few years ago I had to make the decision of investing in being a leader all the way, and having a little sideman work every once in a while.
Jake: How long have you been leading a band?
Avishai: I’ve been leading a band now for ten years, but really extensively leading a band for about five.
Jake: Did you start composing more at that point?
Avishai: I’ve always been composing. I have a lot of compositions and writing going on all the time; it’s always there for me. I always seem to have material to give a band to play at any time.
Jake: One of the things I notice and enjoy about your playing is how I’m able to hear “your voice” come through, whether your playing acoustic or electric. With these instruments being very different animals, does that pose a challenge in any way; do you think differently going from one to the other?
Avishai: Not specifically thinking differently — I know both instruments well enough to get around in a way where I can express my thoughts and feelings freely. That’s the main thing to focus on. Other than that, the beauty of being able to play each instrument to the need of the composition is very cool, because some things just sound better on a certain instrument, although I have to say that most music sounds really nice on the upright. The sounds on the electric are tighter, and more punchy, and then it makes sense to play that for a tune.
Thanks for the compliment — I do take that as a compliment because it’s a challenge to find your voice through different instruments, and I hear that about my piano playing as well, so I guess I can’t run away from myself. But the bottom line is, for me, the composition is stronger than the instrument.
Jake: You’ve toured with one of the masters of picking, formidable sidemen for his band, Chick Corea. Tell me what you experienced and took with you after playing and touring with him.
Avishai: First of all, knowing Chick as a person is great. He’s an amazing person to be around. Other than that of course, he’s one of the greatest musicians of our time. A very interesting musician – a very smart musician – therefore presenting a great platter for the young and excited musician that I was. For me, to be with him, was what I needed most to bloom, and to express myself, and to expose myself to a bunch of people in the most honorable and celebrated way. Every minute of playing with him was magic, and will always stay with me that way. I was able to take great things that he gave me like his skills of leadership… how he handles a band, and how he treats musicians. All of that was a perfect platter for me to grow from, and go my own way.
Jake: I couldn’t agree with you more, as far as your feelings about Chick. So what lays ahead for you?
Avishai: There’s so much. Other than just going on the road constantly, I’m planning on going into the studio soon. I’m working on two projects. One is a trio record, purely a trio record at the end of September with a bunch of new music. A piano trio with Mark on drums. Another project is where I’m singing in Hebrew mainly, kind of a pop, world, jazz kind of thing. It’s a very touching and interesting project. I don’t know when I’ll have it out, but I’m working on it. I’m going into the studio for that very soon as well. These are two projects that I’m very excited about.
Jake: Thanks Avishai.
Avishai: My pleasure.
Visit Avishai Cohen online at www.avishaimusic.com
Readers have been fans of the composer, bass player, and Bass Musician contributor Alberto Rigoni for some time now.
In this interview, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Alberto about his love of music and a project near and dear to his heart, “Unexpected Lullabies”…
Could you tell our readers what makes your band different from other artists?
In 2005, I felt the urge to write original music. My first track was “Trying to Forget,” an instrumental piece with multiple bass layers (rhythm, solo, and arrangement), similar to the Twin Peaks soundtrack. When I played it for a few people, they really liked it, and I decided to continue composing based on my instinct and ear without adhering to any specific genre. In 2007, I released “Something Different” with Lion Music. The title says it all! Since then, I’ve released many solo albums, each different from the others, ranging from ambient to prog, fusion, jazz, and new age. I am very eclectic!
How did you get involved in this crazy world of music?
As a child, I listened to the music my parents enjoyed: my dad loved classical music, while my mom was into Pink Floyd, Genesis, Duran Duran, etc. These influences left a significant mark on my life. However, the turning point came at 15 when a drummer friend played me “A Change of Seasons” by Dream Theater, which was a shock! From that moment, I decided to play bass and cover Dream Theater songs, which I did for many years with my cover band, Ascra, until it disbanded in 2004. After that, I joined TwinSpirits (prog rock) led by multi-instrumentalist Daniele Liverani. Since then, I haven’t played any more covers!
Who are your musical inspirations, and what inspired the album and the songs?
My roots are in progressive rock metal, with influences from bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, and many others. However, I listen to all genres and try to keep an open mind, which helps me compose original music. On bass, I was significantly inspired by Michael Manring and Randy Coven (bassist of Ark, Steve Vai, etc.). But I don’t have a real idol; I just follow my own path without compromise.
What are your interests outside of music?
Living in Italy, I love good food and wine! Beyond that, I have a deep interest in art in general and history, not just of my country. I enjoy spending time with friends, skiing, biking, and walking in nature. This is how I spend my free time. The rest of my time is devoted to music and my family!
Tell us about the new album.
It is definitely an out-of-the-box album. When I found out last year that I was going to have a baby girl, I decided to compose a sort of lullaby album, but I didn’t want to cover already famous lullabies. So, I started composing new tunes with the goal of creating an album that was half-sweet and half-hard rock. I did include some covers like “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra, sung by Goran Edman, former lead singer of Malmsteen. It’s not exactly a lullaby, but I felt the lyrics fit the album, as does the instrumental version of “Fly Me to The Moon.” There are also tracks with just bass and piano (Nenia) or two basses (Vicky). It was definitely an interesting creative process!
What is the difference between the new album and your previous releases, and will there be any new material from your other outfit called BAD AS?
BAD AS is essentially a metal band with several influences including prog. My solo genre is quite different, although there are some metal songs on a few albums. It’s always difficult for me to categorize my music… let’s say it’s a mix of prog, ambient, fusion, and new age.
Where was the album recorded, who produced it, and how long did the process take?
I produced my last album entirely by myself, including mixing and mastering. Unlike other albums I’ve produced within a few months, this one took much longer, perhaps because I was very busy or maybe because I wanted it to be perfect for my daughter, who is now three months old. In any case, I am satisfied. Once again, I did something different from my previous albums.
What is the highlight of the album for you and why?
My favorite song is the first track titled “Vittoria,” named after my daughter. It’s the intro to the record and isn’t very long, but the melody stuck in my head. Another standout track is the instrumental version of “Fly Me to The Moon” by Frank Sinatra, where I used fretless bass. The first part is sweet, the second part definitely rocks!
How are the live shows going, and what are you and the band hoping to achieve?
With BAD AS, this year we shared the stage with David Ellefson’s (former Megadeth bassist) band and talented young singer Dino Jelusik (White Snake). We plan to continue performing all over Europe!
What’s in store for the future?
I am working on an instrumental project called Nemesis Call, a progressive shred prog metal album with various influences. It will feature guest appearances from famous musicians like drummers Mike Terrana and Thomas Lang, as well as young talents like Japanese guitarist Keiji from Zero (19), 14-year-old Indian drummer Sajan Young, and guitarists Alexandra Zerner and Alexandra Lioness, Hellena Pandora. It’s scheduled for release at the end of the year or early 2025. As an independent artist, I have launched a fundraising campaign with exclusive pledges at www.albertorigoni.net/nemesiscall. And no, I am not begging; the album will be released anyway!
What formats is the release available in?
Unexpected Lullabies is available both as a Digipack CD and on streaming platforms.
What is the official album release date?
June 4th, 2024.
Thanks for this interview Bass Musician Magazine and for the continued support to my career!
Visit Online:
www.albertorigoni.net
www.youtube.com/albertorigoni
albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
www.tiktok.com/@albertorigonibassist
CD Track Listing:
1. Vittoria
2. Fly Me to the Moon
3. Azzurra
4. Dancing with Tears in My Eyes (feat. John Jeff Touch)
5. Out of Fear
6. Veni Laeatitia (feat. Alexandra Zerner)
7. Nenia
8. Slap Lullaby (feat. Karl Clews)
9. Saga
10. Vicky (feat. Michael Manring)
11. Ocean Travelers (feat. Vitalij Kuprij)
12. Strangers in the Night (feat. Göran Edman)
13. Peaceful
14. Un uomo che voga (feat. Eleonora Damiano)
Band Line-Up:
- Tommaso Ermolli arrangements on “Vittoria”
- Sefi Carmel on “Fly Me to the Moon” (Cover) (except for the keyboard solo by Alessandro Bertoni)
- Piano and keyboards by Alessandro Bertoni on “Azzurra”
- Leonardo Caverzan, guitars, and John Jeff Touch, vocals on “Dancing with Tears in my Eyes” (Cover)
- T. Ermolli keys on “Out of Fear”
- Alexandra Zerner everything on “Veni Laetitia”
- Daniele Bof piano on “Nenia”
- Karl Clews, piccolo bass on “Slap Lullaby”
- Jonas Erixon vocals and guitars on “Saga”
- Michael Manring bass on “Vicky”
- Vitalij Kuprij, keyboards and piano, and Josh Sapna, guitars, on “Ocean Traveler”
- Göran Edman, vocals, Emiliano Tessitore, guitars, Emiliano Bonini, drums, on “Strangers in the Night” (Cover) everything by Alberto Rigoni and vocals by Federica “Faith”
- Sciamanna on “Peaceful”
- T. Ermolli, guitars, and Eleonora Damiano, vocals, on “Un uomo che voga All drums programmed by Alberto Rigoni
If you are an electric bass player, this is an exciting time to be alive as this relatively new instrument evolves around us. Some creative individuals have taken an active role in this evolution and made giant leaps in their own direction. Lee Barker is one of these inventive people having created the Barker Bass.
Fortunately, Lee is also an excellent writer (among so many talents) and has recently released his book “Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass”. This book is a very fun read for everyone and shares a ton of details about Lee’s life in general, his experiences as a musician, a radio host, and a luthier. Now I am fortunate to have the great opportunity to gain even more insights into this renaissance man with this video interview.
Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass is available online at Amazon.com
Interview and photo courtesy of Holly Bergantino of Bergantino Audio Systems
With an expansive live show and touring, Mt. Joy bassist Michael Byrnes shares his experiences with the joyful, high-energy band!
Michael Byrnes has kept quite a busy touring schedule for the past few years with his band, Mt. Joy. With a philosophy of trial and error, he’s developed quite the routines for touring, learning musical instruments, and finding the right sound. While on the road, we were fortunate to have him share his thoughts on his music, history, and path as a musician/composer.
Let’s start from the very beginning, like all good stories. What first drew
you to music as well as the bass?
My parents required my sister and I to play an instrument. I started on piano and really didn’t like it so when I wanted to quit my parents made me switch to another instrument and I chose drums. Then as I got older and started forming bands there were never any bass players. When I turned 17 I bought a bass and started getting lessons. I think with drums I loved music and I loved the idea of playing music but when I started playing bass I really got lost in it. I was completely hooked.
Can you tell us where you learned about music, singing, and composing?
A bit from teachers and school but honestly I learned the most from just going out and trying it. I still feel like most of the time I don’t know what I am doing but I do know that if I try things I will learn.
What other instruments do you play?
A bit of drums but that’s it. For composing I play a lot of things but I fake it till I make and what I can’t fake I will ask a friend!
I know you are also a composer for film and video. Can you share more
about this with us?
Pretty new to it at the moment. It is weirdly similar to the role of a bass player in the band. You are using music to emphasize and lift up the storyline. Which I feel I do with the bass in a band setting. Kind of putting my efforts into lifting the song and the other musicians on it.
Everybody loves talking about gear. How do you achieve your “fat” sound?
I just tinker till it’s fat lol. Right now solid-state amps have been helping me get there a little quicker than tube amps. That’s why I have been using the Bergantino Forté HP2 – Otherwise I have to say the cliche because it is true…. It’s in the hands.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that you’d like
to explore on the bass.
I like to think of myself as a pretty catchy bass player. I need to ask my bandmates to confirm! But I think when improvising and writing bass parts I always am trying to sneak little earworms into the music. I want to explore 5-string more!
Who are your influences?
I can’t not mention James Jamerson. Where would any of us be if it wasn’t for him? A lesser-known bassist who had a huge effect on me is Ben Kenney. He is the second bassist in the band Incubus and his playing on the Crow Left the Murder album completely opened me up to the type of bass playing I aspire towards. When I first started playing I was really just listening to a lot of virtuosic bassists. I was loving that but I couldn’t see myself realistically playing like that. It wasn’t from a place of self-doubt I just deep down knew that wasn’t me. Ben has no problem shredding but I was struck by how much he would influence the song through smaller movements and reharmonizing underneath the band. His playing isn’t really in your face but from within the music, he could move mountains. That’s how I want to play.
What was the first bass you had? Do you still have it?
A MIM Fender Jazz and I do still have it. It’s in my studio as we speak. I rarely use it these days but I would never get rid of it.
(Every bass player’s favorite part of an interview and a read!) Tell us about
your favorite bass or basses. 🙂
I guess I would need to say that MIM Jazz bass even though I don’t play it much. I feel connected to that one. Otherwise, I have been playing lots of great amazing basses through the years. I have a Serek that I always have with me on the road (shout out Jake). Also have a 70’s Mustang that 8 times out of 10 times is what I use on recordings. Otherwise, I am always switching it up. I find that after a while the road I just cycle basses in and out. Even if I cycle out a P bass for another P bass.
What led you to Bergantino Audio Systems?
My friend and former roommate Edison is a monster bassist and he would gig with a cab of yours all the time years ago. Then when I was shopping for a solid state amp the Bergantino Forté HP2 kept popping up. Then I saw Justin Meldal Johnsen using it on tour with St. Vincent and I thought alright I’ll give it a try!
Can you share a little bit with us about your experience with the Bergantino
forte HP amplifier? I know you had this out on tour in 2023 and I am pretty
certain the forte HP has been to more countries than I have.
It has been great! I had been touring with a 70’s SVT which was great but from room to room, it was a little inconsistent. I really was picky with the type of power that we had on stage. After a while, I thought maybe it is time to just retire this to the studio. So I got that Forte because I had heard that it isn’t too far of a leap from a tube amp tone-wise. Plus I knew our crew would be much happier loading a small solid state amp over against the 60 lbs of SVT. It has sounded great and has really remained pretty much the same from night to night. Sometimes I catch myself hitting the bright switch depending on the room and occasionally I will use the drive on it.
You have recently added the new Berg NXT410-C speaker cabinet to your
arsenal. Thoughts so far?
It has sounded great in the studio. I haven’t gotten a chance to take it on the road with us but I am excited to put it through the paces!
You have been touring like a madman all over the world for the past few
years. Any touring advice for other musicians/bass players? And can I go to Dublin, Ireland with you all??
Exercise! That’s probably the number one thing I can say. Exercise is what keeps me sane on the road and helps me regulate the ups and downs of it. Please come to Dublin! I can put you on the guest list!
It’s a cool story on how the Mt. Joy band has grown so quickly! Tell us
more about Mt. Joy, how it started, where the name comes from, who the
members are and a little bit about this great group?
Our singer and guitarist knew each other in high school and have made music together off and on since. Once they both found themselves living in LA they decided to record a couple songs and put out a Craigslist ad looking for a bassist. At the time I had just moved to LA and was looking for anyone to play with. We linked up and we recorded what would become the first Mt. Joy songs in my house with my friend Caleb producing. Caleb has since produced our third album and is working on our fourth with us now. Once those songs came out we needed to form a full band to be able to do live shows. I knew our drummer from gigging around LA and a mutual friend of all of us recommended Jackie. From then on we’ve been on the road and in the studio. Even through Covid.
Describe the music style of Mt. Joy for me.
Folk Rock with Jam influences
What are your favorite songs to perform?
Always changing but right now it is ‘Let Loose’
What else do you love to do besides bass?
Exercise!
I always throw in a question about food. What is your favorite food?
I love a good chocolate croissant.
Follow Michael Byrnes:
Instagram: @mikeyblaster
Follow Mt. Joy Band:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtjoyband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtjoyband
I am sure many of you are very familiar with Mark Egan as we have been following him and his music for many years now. The last time we chatted was in 2020.
Mark teamed up with drummer Shawn Pelton and guitarist Shane Theriot to produce a new album, “Cross Currents” released on March 8th, 2024. I have been listening to this album in its entirety and it is simply superb (See my review).
Now, I am excited to hear about this project from Mark himself and share this conversation with our bass community in Bass Musician Magazine.
Photo courtesy of Mark Egan
Visit Online:
markegan.com
markegan.bandcamp.com
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Bassist Adam Sullivan…
Hailing from Minnesota since 2012, By the Thousands has produced some serious Technical Metal/Deathcore music. Following their recent EP “The Decent”s release, I have the great opportunity to chat with bassist Adam Sullivan.
Join me as we hear about Adam’s musical Journey, his Influences, how he gets his sound, and the band’s plans for the future
Photo, Laura Baker
Featured Videos:
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IG &FB @bythethousands
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Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
