Tel Aviv-born, France-based pianist Yonathan Avishai is known for his lyrical interpretations of the work of trumpeter Avishai Cohen. Yonathan draws inspiration from the work of his musical kindred spirit, Cohen. For about five years, however, he has also performed with his own trio, which includes Israeli bassist Yoni Zelnik and French drummer Donald Kontomanou to complete his sound. In July 2019, ECM Records released their impressive album "Joys and Solitudes."
This album contains compositions that reference a variety of musical experiences. "Les pianos de Brazzaville" reflects his travels to the Republic of Congo. "Tango" is a creative response to "Ojos Negros," the album by Dino Saluzzi and Anja Lechner. "When Things Fall Apart" was inspired by the works of Avishai Cohen. All these influences are expressed in his traditional piano playing, which blends blues and swing with originality, precision, and determination.
The program begins with Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo"—Ellington considers Avishai a thoroughly modern pianist and composer. The trio, sometimes referred to as the Modern Times Trio, recorded "Joys and Solitudes" at the Auditoriorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano, produced by Manfred Eicher.