Soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen makes his ECM debut in Winter Poems, an album that takes a fresh approach to the unique genre of chamber jazz. Brother to both established ECM trumpeter Avishai Cohen and clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen, jazz very much runs in the family. Having studied at the Tel Aviv Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and Manhattan School of Music, Cohen's career has has led him to become a leading figure in Israeli music education. As well as becoming Head of Jazz Studies at multiple institutions, he has released albums as a soloist and within an ensemble - often beside his two siblings. In his new venture Cohen joins the ECM ranks to take a traditional quartet and make it his own, soprano saxophone in hand.  

Including elements of classical and traditional folk music, the chamber jazz genre and the soprano saxophone makes for a complementary pairing. Rather than alternating between the soprano and other saxophones, Cohen focuses most of the eight original pieces around the one. The result is a selection of lyrical and introspective compositions that centre around the soprano sax and the ensemble interplay. Joining Cohen on the album are the talents of double bassist Alon Near, pianist Tom Oren and drummer Alon Benjamini. Reflecting on the dynamic of the ensemble, Cohen confesses: “I’m very fortunate to be able to play with these young guys. I’ve known them for a long time – they’re three beautiful souls and talents with whom I had a great time shaping this music together.” The interaction between performers is Cohen's foundation for the album, placing high emphasis on the responsiveness of playing within the ensemble. 

The different musical influences are nuanced but very much present across the album, and Cohen’s musical education (equally thorough in the field of classical music as well as jazz) was a significant influence on the title track. ‘Winter Poem’ has classical ties to Schubert’s ‘Winterreise’ song cycle: a fragment was used as a basis to introduce the piece, before the gradual culmination of ideas developed beyond the short segment and it was no longer needed. With pastoral imagery at the centre of the piece, Oren’s melodic and bold piano playing is a highlight. ‘Avia’ inclines towards folk and livelier rhythms, all whilst still keeping within the poetic and contemplative style, and ‘For Charlie’ sees the only change in Cohen playing soprano saxophone. Far from the expected tribute to Parker that one might expect, Cohen dedicates this track to star of the screen Charlie Chaplin, paying homage to the films that inspired his own music. Consequently, the soprano saxophone is swapped out in favour of Cohen on the melodica in a nostalgic and fitting tribute to the actor and filmmaker. 

An engaging take on the traditional quartet set up, Winter Poems uses Cohen’s vast knowledge of various musical genres to deliver an album bursting with different influences. Along with his ensemble, he puts emphasis on improvisational development and effective, subtle responses from the quartet in order to create an immersive and innovative collection of compositions. Surely only the first of many releases to come with ECM, Winter Poems is the ideal debut from an artist that holds improvisation and lyrical journeys at the forefront of his vision. 

Maddy Allison

from  www.prestomusic.com