Lorin Cohen, an accomplished jazz bassist and composer, recently released his debut album as a leader. Home (Origin Records) features eight songs written by Cohen, which celebrate his hometown musical roots in Chicago and his current home in New York City. The third influence in Cohen’s music is the Caribbean, which inspires several tunes, including the lilting “Saudade,” with contributions from steel pan virtuoso Victor Provost and French harmonica player Yvonnick Prene. Cohen makes the bass sing; and he gets strong support from Ryan Cohan, keyboards; Joe Locke, vibraphone; Donald Edwards, drums; and Samuel Torres, percussion. Cohen’s experience backing Locke, Cohan and acclaimed jazz pianist Monty Alexander (a native of Jamaica), in the studio and on world tours, bears fruit in this dazzling album. — M.S.
(American Jewish World, 7.3.15)
