When both John
Daversa and Tal Cohen individually decided to move to
Miami back in 2013, neither was yet aware that their meeting was
inevitable, and that it would lead to a career-defining bond
for both. As they began interacting regularily, playing together
in multiple group formations, it was the audience that
repeatedly pointed out that the spirit between these two particular
players was always a highlight to witness and experience. As
John states, “There are only very few situations in life where
you meet someone who really sees you the way you are, and the way you
want to be.”
When the pandemic moved
into its second year and group opportunities were still limited,
John and Tal decided to take the time and start exploring their
musical relationship in more depth. Playing together quickly
turned out to be a “Kapow” musical moment for both. It just felt
right on so many levels, and shortly thereafter resulted in the
joint decision to forge ahead and form “The Daversa Cohen Duo.”
Musically and humanly it was a total match, with both musicians
recognizing that this was a rare situation offering the
opportunity to play, write and perform the type of music each
had always been seeking to make.
The shared understanding
for each other has to do with a strong desire to be spontaneous,
fearless, and musically in-sync. As Tal puts it, “It’s music that
sounds like two people who just love making music together”. A true
creative friendship found itself with all the characteristics that
define a harmonious bond. Not to underestimate the need for each
player to bring their ‘A’ game to each and every session and
performance. John Daversa and Tal Cohen are both people who
consistently push to be their best, and push each other to do
the same.
There is a keen sense of
taking risks and chances, all of which, executed with the most
acute awareness that music is also a competitive art. “It’s like
brothers wrestling each other to ground. Pushing each other to
be the best they can be. Testing strength and wits and pulling the
best out of each other that way.” It requires attentiveness and
an extreme ability to move into any direction the other
requires. Not only that, but to also be able to accompany, lead and
equally invigorate with musical impulses at all times.
For Daversa and Cohen, the
playing together feels seamless and enables true and
genuine improvisation. “Not just for the sake of it, but instead
really really honest reactionary improv.” This is what these two
musicians live for, and these moments come from a pure place. “The
antithesis of playing from the mind — everything that we play
comes from the heart, not the mind — it’s not a science project,
it’s a human project.” And by being, so it requires depth,
vulnerability, authenticity, and most of all trust. Heart based
decisions and heart based presence — the latter of which both
musicians seem to never lack.
The
Art of Duo
shows off and presents many sides of John Daversa and Tal Cohen as
players, composers, arrangers and musical partners. The project
also goes well beyond the traditional expectations of a jazz
duo. With the sheer excitement of unfiltered experimentation, John
and Tal flawlessly incorporate electric instrumentation and vocal
performances alongside the more traditional piano/trumpet
format.
Their music is a journey of
sound. No labels, beyond it being an inclusive adventure for the
audience and listeners as well. “The people responding to the
record are not just heavy jazz folks. The music connects to all
kinds of people because it’s not pretentious and instead humble art,
encouraging everyone to take a risk or two, to feel life as it
can be.”
At times, John and Tal are
so in sync that audiences are clearly unable to differentiate when
a passage is improvised and/or a planned part of the
performance. The music is on the edge of something at all times,
pushing the musical envelope in an attempt to give the duo format a
worthy new definition, and to experience it in its full spectrum
and capacity. The energy and performances are an invitation for
the listener to join in and experience the diversity, and openness
these two players project and inspire.
Whether this album can be
classified as a jazz record is completely unimportant to both
musicians. “It’s not about that at all. It’s about the moment
right now, and the opportunity within this moment. It’s about
being expressive, and to create a greater presence filled with
improvised dialogue and spontaneity. Making music that inspires
and encourages people to trust their own excitement and passion
for what they want to bring to their life.” It really feels like two
musical worlds meeting, interacting, sparring — open to each
other’s direction, and throwing musical punches only to react to the
reaction, and thereby inspire and celebrate the possibilities of
making music together.
With the release date
slated for February 3, 2023, John Daversa and Tal Cohen’s The
Art of Duo will be available as a limited edition
gatefold vinyl LP, and on all major streaming services. Early
summer 2022 marks the beginning of a set of live dates
throughout the United States, and will continue throughout 2023
including Europe and Japan.
For more online resources:
johndaversa.com
instagram.com/johndaversa
facebook.com/johndaversamusic
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