Sensitive Hours – ‘Shaot Regishot’ – CD

Avishai Cohen's seminal album "Shaot Regishot" (Sensitive Hours) is a profound tapestry of musical artistry, taking listeners on an intimate journey through his native Israeli heritage, family roots, and global jazz influences. Released in August 2008 to high acclaim and soaring in Israel's music charts, this album stands as Cohen's first deep dive into the world of vocal compositions, augmenting his already considerable reputation in the international jazz scene. The record showcases not just his technical virtuosity but also his emotional connection to his cultural roots, featuring original compositions alongside traditional texts and melodies deeply entrenched in Israeli history.

The album boasts a blend of young, talented musicians from Israel and the USA, anchored by Avishai’s long-term, award-winning jazz trio. Together, they bring life to a collection of tracks that range from the poetic "Yo M'enamori D'un Ayre" to the deeply moving "Ahava Hadasha," each one a tribute to Cohen's multifaceted musical personality. This line-up's collective artistry lends each track an atmosphere that is both complex and accessible, ensuring that the album speaks "beauty straight from the heart to all."

The richness of "Shaot Regishot" is not confined merely to its music; the CD also includes a 20-page booklet that provides song lyrics and English translations, allowing a deeper engagement with Cohen's artistic vision. Whether you're enchanted by the mesmerizing "Ezamer Be Shovchin / Adama" or find solace in the melodious "Shalom Aleichem," this album invites you to experience the emotional and cultural dimensions of Cohen's craft.

One of the most notable aspects of the album is its experimental nature. As Cohen's first major project incorporating vocals into all compositions, it marks a pivotal point in his already illustrious career. It's not just an album; it's a groundbreaking excursion into the limitless boundaries of musical storytelling.

If you're a seasoned jazz aficionado, an admirer of Israeli culture, or just a music lover looking for something that genuinely resonates, "Shaot Regishot" is more than an addition to your musical library; it's an experience that enriches and educates. Each track is not just a song but a voyage through the corridors of tradition, innovation, and soulful expression.

In summary, "Shaot Regishot" by Avishai Cohen is a treasure chest of musical gems that beckon for exploration, offering both nuance and depth in its masterful confluence of tradition and modernity. It is a vibrant testament to how one man's history, culture, and innate artistry can be distilled into a work of universal appeal.