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John Daversa Teams Up With Tal Cohen

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    Posted: 30 Sep 2022 at 1:28pm

THREE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER JOHN DAVERSA TEAMS UP WITH ACCLAIMED JAZZ PIANIST TAL COHEN

THE ART OF DUO VOL. 1

 

THIS DUO IS THE NATURAL PROGRESSION FOR BOTH ARTISTS AND WILL BE A PRIMARY PROJECT MOVING FORWARD. THE MUSIC AND ITS SPIRIT OFFERS A TRULY UNIQUE & EXPANSIVE JOURNEY FOR BOTH PLAYERS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE

 

RELEASES FEBRUARY 3, 2023

Digitally & on Vinyl only

 

 

 

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

 



Edited by snobb - 30 Sep 2022 at 1:31pm
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