Eternal Child CD

The new studio album from Israeli bassist and composer Avishai Cohen, and by his own admission his most jazz-focused work to date. Recorded as a trio with pianist Itay Simhovich and drummer Eviatar Slivnik — both steeped in the classic traditions of the music despite their youth — with drummer Jeff Ballard guesting on several tracks, bringing a different rhythmic energy to the sessions.

The chemistry between the three core musicians is immediately apparent. Simhovich and Slivnik may belong to a younger generation, but they play with a maturity and an instinct for groove that sits perfectly alongside Cohen's compositional voice. Ballard's contributions add another dimension, and on at least one track the two drummers appear together — a deliberate shake-up that keeps the album from ever settling into routine.

The ten compositions are all deeply personal: dedications to bandmates, a partner, a manager who has been by Cohen's side for nearly 25 years, and a playful nod to his Japanese fanbase who gave one tune its name by mispronouncing "blues." The album closes with Closure — an ending that manages to feel like a beginning.

Warm, melodic, and groove-driven throughout, Eternal Child is a record built on two fundamentals Cohen has always returned to: melody you can feel, and rhythm that moves.