New Release From Israeli Jazz Guitarist Tomer Cohen

Tomer Cohen has just released his new album of original compositions entitled Story of a Traveler.  

Above Photo by Patrick Clerens

Tomer is a fresh 26-year-old guitarist now based in New York City. Growing up in Israel, he brings together bebop with elements of the music he heard growing up.

JB:  All the compositions on the new album are all yours.  The album opens with the contemplative “Moving Pictures.”  Why start the album with it?

TC: Yes, all the compositions on the new album are my originals. “Moving Pictures” is a nostalgic piece that reflects on my own musical journey—from picking up the guitar for the first time, playing in high school bands, moving to New York City, and continuing to this day.  It also offers something personal for the listener: a moment to pause and reflect on their own path and experiences. The album’s welcoming and relaxed tone felt like the right way to open, inviting people into the story.

JB:  Next is the upbeat “Falafel.”  So, what is the connection with the fritter that we all enjoy eating?

TC:  “Falafel” is a lively piece inspired by Middle Eastern music, featuring captivating rhythms and a playful melody.  The idea was to create something fast, fun, and short – much like enjoying a falafel meal!

JB:  You return to a contemplative texture with “A View.”

TC:  “A View” was inspired by a moment of stillness and awe. It came to me after a five-hour mountain climb in Thailand. Sitting at the summit, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape and the journey it took to get there.  This piece captures the great feeling of reaching the top of the mountain – that first moment I saw the surrounding breathtaking view. 

JB:  Tell us how “Orev (Crow)” with its pulsating rhythm that progresses to almost a ballad-like tempo, came about.

TC:  “Orev” is a heartfelt tribute to my younger brother, reminding him to continue his journey despite the challenges. The pulsating rhythm represents the idea of moving forward.   It’s a deeply personal piece for me, and I hope listeners can feel the emotions behind it.

JB:  What motivated you to call the song and the album Story of a Traveler?

TC:  The title of the composition, “Story of a Traveler,” symbolizes a personal and musical journey. In that composition, I’m using a short melody that evolves and changes throughout the piece to present the constant evolution in the journey.

The album title captures the essence of traveling through places, cultural landscapes, and personal experiences – like a traveler who collects stories along the way.

JB:  Bassist Cyrille Obermuller, and drummer Gert-Jan Dreessen play superbly.  What do you appreciate most about these two musicians as a rhythm section?

TC:  Absolutely.   Gert-Jan and Cyrille have been an integral part of my trio for the past few years. I mostly appreciate their musicianship and deep listening. Playing many performances together shaped our organic sound. Cyrille has the ability to seamlessly shift between supporting the ensemble and stepping into the spotlight, enhancing the trio’s dynamic interplay. Gert-Jan, known for his versatility and rhythmic creativity, adds a fresh, driving energy to the trio’s sound.

JB:  I love pianist Shai Maestro’s work on “Pastures 2.0.”  What do you appreciate most about what he brings to your combo here?

TC:  Shai is amazing. He has this incredible ability to know exactly what to add to elevate the piece while staying true to its essence. “Pastures 2.0” is a special piece because we revisited a piece from my first album, “Not the Same River.” Shai brought different colors and textures to the music.  I mostly appreciated his seamless way of joining the trio that had already been working together for a long time. This new combination brought out something unique in all four of us – we inspired each other in ways that shaped the character of the music in a really profound way.

JB:  The album closes with “Bait (Home)” which has a concluding ambiance to it.

TC:  The album closes with “Bait (Home),” a piece that carries a sense of resolution and belonging. I composed it as a longing piece for my family while living in New York City, reflecting the love and deep connection I feel for them and the place I call home.  It felt right to conclude the album with this piece – going back to the people and places that ground us after all the traveling. Like many travelers, we eventually find our way to where we truly belong.

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