Avishai Cohen - Continuo

I had thought of following up Esbjoern Svensson Trio with Israeli bassist Avishai Cohen's astounding album "Continuo" on Razdaz Records, but as you see a few posts got in the way. Avishai's music feels familiar to me because he's from Israel, that means he's from the Middle East if you're not skilled in geography and this album has many Middle Eastern tones going underneath his western jazz sound. I somehow think those Middle Eastern scales and melodies give the music its unique taste, however Mr. Cohen is also well-known as a sideman for the legendary Chick Corea. The funny thing is the similarities in the general feeling of the music between E.S.T and Avishai Cohen is not only realized by me, but Guardian's review has said that "The set has some parallels with the Esbjorn Svensson Trio in its use of catchy repeating hooks as anchors to the improvising." And what hooks they are, it's surprising to hear the title track as the last track, but it's last 1.30 minutes are the best moments on the disc (and definitely one of the best 1 minutes of 2006.) and this shows his trust in his music. Avishai's double bass is obviously ace but Sam Barsh's piano and Amos Hoffman's oud are really worth mentioning as well. Truly a 5 star album with a coherent ambience throughout itself, and exceptional playing.