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When both John Daversa
and Tal Cohen individually decided to move to Miami back in 2013,
neither was yet aware that their meeting was inevitable, and that it
would lead to a career-defining bond for both. As they began
interacting regularily, playing together in multiple group formations, it
was the audience that repeatedly pointed out that the spirit between
these two particular players was always a highlight to witness and
experience. As John states, “There are only very few situations
in life where you meet someone who really sees you the way you are,
and the way you want to be.”
When the pandemic moved into its
second year and group opportunities were still limited, John and Tal
decided to take the time and start exploring their musical relationship in
more depth. Playing together quickly turned out to be a “Kapow”
musical moment for both. It just felt right on so many levels, and
shortly thereafter resulted in the joint decision to forge ahead and form
“The Daversa Cohen Duo.” Musically and humanly it was a total match, with
both musicians recognizing that this was a rare situation offering the
opportunity to play, write and perform the type of music each
had always been seeking to make.
The shared understanding for each
other has to do with a strong desire to be spontaneous, fearless, and
musically in-sync. As Tal puts it, “It’s music that sounds like two people
who just love making music together”. A true creative friendship found
itself with all the characteristics that define a harmonious bond. Not
to underestimate the need for each player to bring their ‘A’ game to each
and every session and performance. John Daversa and Tal Cohen are both
people who consistently push to be their best, and push each other to
do the same.
There is a keen sense of taking
risks and chances, all of which, executed with the most
acute awareness that music is also a competitive art. “It’s like
brothers wrestling each other to ground. Pushing each other to be the
best they can be. Testing strength and wits and pulling the best out
of each other that way.” It requires attentiveness and an extreme
ability to move into any direction the other requires. Not only that,
but to also be able to accompany, lead and equally invigorate
with musical impulses at all times.
For Daversa and Cohen, the
playing together feels seamless and enables true and
genuine improvisation. “Not just for the sake of it, but instead
really really honest reactionary improv.” This is what these two
musicians live for, and these moments come from a pure place. “The
antithesis of playing from the mind — everything that we play comes
from the heart, not the mind — it’s not a science project, it’s a
human project.” And by being, so it requires depth, vulnerability,
authenticity, and most of all trust. Heart based decisions and heart
based presence — the latter of which both musicians seem to never lack.
The Art of Duo shows off and presents many sides of John Daversa and
Tal Cohen as players, composers, arrangers and musical partners. The
project also goes well beyond the traditional expectations of a jazz
duo. With the sheer excitement of unfiltered experimentation, John and
Tal flawlessly incorporate electric instrumentation and vocal
performances alongside the more traditional piano/trumpet format.
Their music is a journey of
sound. No labels, beyond it being an inclusive adventure for the
audience and listeners as well. “The people responding to the record
are not just heavy jazz folks. The music connects to all kinds of
people because it’s not pretentious and instead humble art,
encouraging everyone to take a risk or two, to feel life as it can
be.”
At times, John and Tal are so in
sync that audiences are clearly unable to differentiate when a passage
is improvised and/or a planned part of the performance. The music is on the
edge of something at all times, pushing the musical envelope in an
attempt to give the duo format a worthy new definition, and to experience
it in its full spectrum and capacity. The energy and performances are
an invitation for the listener to join in and experience the diversity, and
openness these two players project and inspire.
Whether this album can be
classified as a jazz record is completely unimportant to both
musicians. “It’s not about that at all. It’s about the moment right
now, and the opportunity within this moment. It’s about being
expressive, and to create a greater presence filled with improvised
dialogue and spontaneity. Making music that inspires and encourages
people to trust their own excitement and passion for what they want to
bring to their life.” It really feels like two musical worlds
meeting, interacting, sparring — open to each other’s direction, and
throwing musical punches only to react to the reaction, and thereby
inspire and celebrate the possibilities of making music together.
With the release date slated for February
3, 2023, John Daversa and Tal Cohen’s The Art of Duo
will be available as a limited edition gatefold vinyl LP, and on all
major streaming services. Early summer 2022 marks the beginning of a
set of live dates throughout the United States, and will
continue throughout 2023 including Europe and Japan.
For more online resources:
johndaversa.com
instagram.com/johndaversa
facebook.com/johndaversamusic
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