Greg Cohen
American jazz bassist with four decades of diverse collaborations.
Greg Cohen (born July 13, 1952) is an American jazz bassist whose career spans over four decades. He is best known as a member of John Zorn's Masada quartet and for his extensive work with a wide range of musicians across traditional jazz and other styles.
- born
- July 13, 1952
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Background
- non_vocal_instrumentalist
- Birth Date
- 1953-07-13
- Birth Place
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Genre
- Jazz, jazz fusion
- Occupation
- Musician
- Instrument
- Bass guitar, double bass
- Associated Acts
- John Zorn, Masada, Ornette Coleman, Tom Waits, Woody Allen, Dave Douglas, Loudon Wainwright III, Elvis Costello
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Greg Cohen has worked with numerous noted musicians including Tom Waits, David Byrne, Elvis Costello, Laurie Anderson, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Keith Richards, and Charlie Watts. He has also performed with traditional jazz artists such as Ken Peplowski, Kenny Davern, Marty Grosz, and Woody Allen. In August 2006, he served as musical director of the Century of Song series at the German arts festival RuhrTriennale, inviting performers like David Byrne, Holly Cole, and Laurie Anderson. Cohen has been a regular member of Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band, which played at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan. He appeared in the documentary Wild Man Blues about a 1996 European tour by Allen and his band.
Reader's Guide
Greg Cohen's significance lies in his versatility and longevity as a bassist, having collaborated with an extraordinarily broad range of artists from traditional jazz to avant-garde, pop, and world music. His role as a member of John Zorn's Masada quartet places him at the center of modern Jewish-influenced avant-garde jazz. His work as musical director of the Century of Song series at RuhrTriennale demonstrates his curatorial influence. As a bass professor and head of the string department at the Jazz Institute Berlin, and honorary professor in contemporary rhythmic music at SDMK - Danish National Academy of Music, Cohen has shaped the next generation of musicians. His appearances in films such as Wild Man Blues and Short Cuts show his presence beyond the concert stage.
Did You Know?
- Greg Cohen was musical director of the Century of Song series at the German arts festival RuhrTriennale in August 2006.
- Cohen is a bass professor and head of the string department at the Jazz Institute Berlin.
- He has worked with both Keith Richards and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones.
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