The Early Years – 1998 -2001 – OUT NOW

Razdaz Recordz proudly presents the release of The Early Years 1998-2001, a newly remastered box set from internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, and vocalist Avishai Cohen. The collection brings together his first four landmark albums in one definitive package, offering an illuminating look at the foundation of his extraordinary musical journey.

The Early Years 1998-2001

The Early Years 1998-2001 revisits the period that launched Cohen’s career as a bandleader. The set includes his first four studio albums:

• Adama (1998)
• Devotion (1999)
• Colors (2000)
• Unity (2001)

Recorded during Cohen’s formative New York years, these albums capture the spirit and creativity of a young artist defining his sound and identity. Each album showcases his ability to fuse intricate jazz harmonies with world rhythms, melodic lyricism, and an unmistakable sense of groove.

This special edition box set has been newly remastered and, for the first time, presents all four albums together. It also features bonus material, including studio commentary from the Unity recording sessions. The collection offers a rare opportunity to trace Cohen’s artistic evolution from his debut recordings to his emergence as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.

A Release Made for the Fans

The Early Years 1998-2001 was created in direct response to the many fans who have long sought these formative albums in one collection. Over the years, listeners have continued to request a comprehensive set that celebrates the energy and emotion of Cohen’s early recordings — and this release delivers exactly that.

By bringing these four influential albums together, Avishai offers both new listeners and lifelong followers the chance to experience where it all began. This box set is more than a retrospective; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the fans who have supported Avishai Cohen’s journey from the very start.

As Razdaz Recordz notes:

“Avishai Cohen has assembled a unique session… clearly a welcome voice on today’s jazz scene.”

OUT NOW!

The Early Years 1998-2001 was released on 31 October 2025 via Razdaz Recordz and the official Avishai Cohen Shop.

About Avishai Cohen

Born in 1970 in Kibbutz Kabri, Israel, Avishai Cohen grew up in a multicultural family with Spanish, Greek, and Polish roots. He began studying piano at age nine, later discovering the bass guitar while living in the United States. Returning to Israel, he trained in classical and jazz studies on the upright bass before moving to New York City at the age of 22 to pursue his professional career.

In New York, Cohen quickly became known for his versatility, virtuosity, and powerful compositional voice. He went on to collaborate with some of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, earning recognition as “a jazz visionary of global proportions” (DownBeat) and being named one of the “100 most influential bass players of the twentieth century” (Bass Player magazine).

Over the past two decades, Avishai Cohen has forged a distinctive sound that blends jazz with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Latin, and classical influences. As a bandleader and composer, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and continues to be one of the most original and compelling voices in modern jazz.