Lyla
Avishai Cohen · 2003
50 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz and world music, infused with emotional depth and intricate melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lyla — The title track intricately weaves together emotive melodies and rhythms, showcasing Cohen's ability to evoke deep feelings through instrumental storytelling.
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Ascension — Opening the album, 'Ascension' sets a dynamic tone with its driving rhythm and complex interplay between instruments, highlighting Cohen's virtuosic skills.
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Handsonit — This track features a lively tempo and an engaging call-and-response between Cohen and his bandmates, embodying the spirit of collaboration that defines the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalCohen's blend of jazz and world music creates a distinctive sound, with strong compositions and skilled performances throughout.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate world music elements, such as Middle Eastern scales and rhythms, particularly evident in 'Lyla' and 'Eternal Child'.
- The album features extended improvisational sections that allow each musician to explore their instrument, creating a dynamic interplay.
- The final track, 'Simple Melody', serves as a reflective conclusion with a more subdued tempo and minimalistic arrangement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with emotional depth
- intricate compositions for focused listening
- uplifting moments amidst reflective tones
- for late-night introspection
- consistent flow with engaging peaks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone song variety
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, 'Lyla' marks Avishai Cohen's continued evolution as a leading figure in jazz fusion following his acclaimed album 'Gently Disturbed'. At this point in his career, Cohen was transitioning from sideman roles to a prominent solo artist, showcasing his unique voice on the double bass and composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Christian McBride· Brad Mehldau· Chick Corea
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How Long
The refrain repeats a haunting melodic phrase that reflects a sense of yearning and unresolved questions.
The repetitive nature of the melody builds emotional tension, creating a poignant contrast to the song's rhythmic backdrop.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ascension 5:23
- 2 Lyla 4:57
- 3 How Long 4:33
- 4 The Watcher 3:21
- 5 The Evolving Etude 3:49
- 6 Structure in Emotion 4:18
- 7 Handsonit 6:39
- 8 Come Together 4:02
- 9 How Long (Reflected) 3:26
- 10 Eternal Child 4:15
- 11 Simple Melody 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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