Loved Anat Cohen's quartet. She is a marvelous performer and amazing instrumentalists. Others in her quartet were also excellent, creating exciting and original music.
Anat is a major force in the Jazz World. First she always performs with the most amazing players. It is always a Gestalt experience with the ensemble rising constantly to new heights. She is continuously creating new incredibly different technically brilliant and lyrical lines as she plays. And the Joy that she exudes on stage adds a giant dimension to her playing. You never know where she is going but the adventure of listening and following her ideas is an extraordinary experience. .
The performance was wonderful. Unfortunately the experience was marred by a totally disorganized venue. We were among a number of cars circling the building multiple times in search of the parking lot until too close to performance time someone actually handed out a card with instructions, the lot and venue were opened and lights in the lot and in front of the venue turned on. Once in, we were directed to the wrong side of the auditorium where we had to walk stairs (I walk with a cane) only to have to restart our steps back up, around and back down the other side to our box. I have seen Anat Cohen before and hope to see her perform again but I would be very reluctant to see anybody at this auditorium again.
The music, the selections and the energy of the band and Anat Cohen were fantastic. The auditorium had great acoustics. The audience was enthralled and captivated for the entire performance. The biggest problem was with Queens College itself not having signs or directions to find the concert hall. It was dark and gates were locked. There was only one entrance along a deserted and winding side road. The mobile ticket did not work so we had to go to the box office to get paper tickets. The concert was so good it was worth the aggravations with finding the location. Anat Cohen played with virtuosity and stamina you get tired and out of breath just watching her play. Her range of styles is vast and her musical communication with her terrific band members made it a joy and treat to listen to. Her playing gives you chills and every emotion imaginable. It was a wonderful evening and I could have stayed for even more than the one encore! No one left until the ushers made it clear the concert was over.
Overall amazing performance by Anat Cohen Quartetinho. I have been trying to go to one of her shows for years and I finally went and was overjoyed by her performance. ??????????
What a treat! Anat Cohen, Kenny Barron and Christian McBride were worth the wait! A most enjoyable evening. Cant wait to hear more of Anat Cohen
Really enjoyed Anat Cohen. Also enjoyed the way she came out afterwards and took pictures and signed CDs. The concernt was really nice. Beforehand I read there would be an intermission so it was a bit confusing when it just ended. In that way, it seemed a bit short . I guess it was about 90 minutes. But she had a great personality and the music was first rate and I always enjoy the VPAC.
Exquisite performance by the top performing jazz clarinet artist of the day. The performance included swinging jazz, a bit of klezmer, seductive choro and fantastic original compositions that expressed the art of musical expression at it's highest level. Her Tentet is composed (no pun) of great artists in their own right who come together to produce a great work of musical art. The group also has a music director who obviously made a large contribution to the vision of the Tentet. I believe that Anat showed a lot of courage in forming the Tentet in order to express her musical vision. So thanks to her for the music.
Anat Cohen may be the best jazz clarinet player on the planet these days. She worked in a quartet session, piano, acoustic bass and drums and all four did a marvelous job. Anytime this group comes near you, go catch them. You will not be sorry
Anat Cohen, Aaron Goldberg and their quartet played a gorgeous inventive set of music. The setting (sculpture garden of the JCC) was spectacular as was the temporary stage and sound system. Only complaint... They could have given us a bit more than the one-hour concert. But all in all, a magnificent evening.
