Avishai Cohen Trio. Daniel de Boer. 47th Leverkusen Jazz Festival.

Avishai Cohen Trio – Where Jazz Meets Classic

Over the past three decades, internationally acclaimed bassist, singer and composer Avishai Cohen has established himself as one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz – a musical icon whose work has earned him a place alongside some of the most celebrated names in the genre. At the Leverkusener Jazztage, Cohen takes to the stage with his trio, joined by the outstanding young musicians Itay Simhovich on piano and Eviatar Slivnik on drums.

Cohen’s original compositions and arrangements reflect a vast musical universe in which diverse traditions, cultures, languages and styles come together. His music seamlessly blends Hebrew and Ladino musical traditions with pulsating contemporary jazz, creating a sound that is at once deeply rooted and strikingly innovative.

Renowned for his captivating live performances, distinctive sound and magnetic stage presence, Cohen has built a devoted global following. His concerts draw audiences from around the world, captivated by the emotional depth, rhythmic vitality and sheer immediacy of his music. His unmistakable artistic voice has inspired and influenced an entire generation of musicians.

Today, Cohen is celebrated as a composer and musical innovator who transcends boundaries.

Daniel de Boer

Daniel de Boer grew up on the Dutch island of Texel. Born into a musical family, he was surrounded by music from an early age. As a child, he began learning several instruments – first the accordion, followed by piano, drums and guitar. At the age of 18, he discovered the double bass and immediately fell in love with the instrument.

He studied classical double bass before expanding his studies to jazz and popular music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam. He recently completed his Master’s degree in Contemporary Performance at Berklee Valencia, where he studied electric bass with renowned bassist Gary Willis.

Since 2015, Daniel has worked as a freelance bassist, performing with ensembles including the Metropole Orkest, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble (NBE), Holland Opera, Circus Extreme and the Celebrity Edge Theatre Ensemble.