The double bassist, singer and composer returns to Lisbon for a unique concert at Coliseu dos Recreios with his new project Banda Iroko, which is inspired and derived from the tradition and roots of Afro-Caribbean music.
On stage, Cohen is accompanied by some of the first musicians he played with in New York, in the city’s small clubs, in the early 90s.
AVISHAI COHEN
Over the past twenty-five years, internationally acclaimed double bassist, singer and composer Avishai Cohen has become one of the heavyweights of contemporary jazz, with a catalogue that rivals that of the most legendary in the field of jazz… and beyond. Their captivating live performances, unique sound and musical statement are widely known in all corners of the world, attracting large live audiences, listeners and passionate fans. Cohen’s music has shaped and influenced many people.
Now, to showcase his new album Iroko, which he recorded with Abraham Rodrigues Jnr, Avishai Cohen presents a new band and a new tour. Released worldwide in the first half of 2023 by Naïve, this work is inspired and derived from the tradition and roots of Afro-Caribbean music.
On stage, Cohen is accompanied by some of the first musicians he played with in New York, in the city’s small clubs, in the early 90s.
“Iroko is a long-time dream. I’ve had it since I met and played with Abraham Rodriguez Jnr. A great singer, ‘conguero’ and master of Afro-Caribbean music in all its spectrum. I brought together this band of stars to perform at the I live this incredible Iroko project.”
Avishai Cohen, June 2022
Iroko is a feared tree in some West African cultures where it originates and is therefore avoided or venerated with offerings. The Yoruba people believe that the tree is inhabited by a spirit and that anyone who sees the Iroko man face to face goes mad and quickly dies. According to the Yoruba, any man who cuts down an Iroko tree causes devastating misfortune to himself and his entire family, although if he has to cut down the tree, he can then say a prayer to protect himself. They also claim that the spirit of Iroko can be heard in houses that use Iroko wood since the spirit of Iroko is trapped in the wood.
ABRAHAM RODRIGUEZ JNR.
Abraham Rodriguez Jnr has played, recorded and studied for over 40 years with most of the renowned masters of the Afro-Latin and jazz languages, such as Orlando Rios Y Su Nueova Generacion, Andy Gonzalez and Conjunto Libre, Michele Rose woman and NewYoruba, Tania Leon, Alfredo “Chocolateo” Armenteros, Nelson Gonzalez, the CongaiKings, Rafi Malkiel, Ray Santiago, Pupi Legarretta, Pedrito Martinez, Roman Diaz, Francisco “Minini” Zamora, Changuito, Los Afortunados, Kip Hanrahan and many more. Currently, Abraham is an active member of the “Grupo Folklorico Experimental Nueva Yorquino” and the “Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble”.
As a disciple and godson of the famous Afro-Cuban percussionist Orlando “Puntilla” Rios, Abraham mastered the music of the Yoruba Orisha tradition, now owning his own sacred Bata aña drums. Abraham Rodriguez Jnr’s knowledge and mastery of Caribbean ritual and secular music, as well as Du-wop, has made him one of the most sought-after musicians on the Afro-Latin-Jazz music scene. In 1980, he recorded with famous Afro-Cuban rumbero Eugenio “Totico” Arango, together with his godfather Puntilla, combining Du-Wop with Cuban rumba, creating the inimitable Du-wop rumba genre.
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