Projects

Quartetinho

Anat Cohen, renowned for her expressive virtuosity and infectious charisma, has been an international jazz star for some two decades now, with a long string of releases via her Anzic Records label ranging from hard-swingers to lilting balladry, from small groups to larger ensembles and back again, exploring a world of music along the way. The clarinetist’s newest release is Bloom, the second album by her foursome Quartetinho (pronounced “quartet-CHIN-yo”). The band name is Portuguese for “little quartet,” although the players make a big, color-rich sound, each an ace on multiple instruments: Anat on various clarinets, Tal Mashiach on bass and guitar, Vitor Gonçalves on piano and accordion, and James Shipp on vibraphone and percussion. The group’s 2022 debut recording, Quartetinho, included a brace of originals by Anat, Brazilian classics by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Egberto Gismonti, and even an interpretation of the “Goin’ Home” melody from Dvorák’s “New World” Symphony. DownBeat described that first album’s pan-American sound as “fetching” and “luxurious,” while the UK’s Jazzwise declared the disc to be “hugely enjoyable.” Bloom, the Quartetinho follow-up (and Anat’s 19th album as a leader or co-leader), showcases compositions by each member of the band, as well as a lovely, lyrical take on Thelonious Monk’s “Trinkle, Tinkle” and an expansive arrangement of Paraguayan guitarist-composer Augustín Barrios Mangoré’s classic “La Catedral.” Anzic will release Bloom in vinyl, CD and digital editions on September 27, 2024. As Bandcamp Daily said: “There’s nothing controversial about stating that Anat Cohen is one of the very best clarinet players in the jazz world, and it’s always a treat when she releases a new album.” 

ANAT COHEN & MARCELLO GONÇALVES

Clarinet virtuoso Anat Cohen and seven-string guitar master Marcello Gonçalves create a musical partnership that transcends borders and genres. Together, they explore the rich traditions of Brazilian choro with a fresh, contemporary sensibility, blending intricate melodies, soulful improvisation, and the effortless interplay of two masterful artists in complete sync. Their collaboration is a testament to the universality of music — a vibrant conversation that flows seamlessly between the streets of Rio de Janeiro and the global stages of modern jazz.

With each performance, Anat and Marcello invite audiences into an intimate soundscape where every note feels both spontaneous and deeply rooted in tradition. Their Grammy-nominated album Outra Coisa – The Music of Moacir Santos stands as a landmark recording, reimagining the works of the legendary Brazilian composer through their uniquely personal lens. This project not only celebrates Santos’s enduring legacy but also showcases the duo’s ability to breathe new life into classic compositions with elegance, joy, and emotional depth. Their live performances are equally cherished for their warmth, humor, and the undeniable chemistry that captivates listeners from the first note.

Whether on record or in concert, Anat Cohen and Marcello Gonçalves offer a rare musical experience — one defined by virtuosity, authenticity, and a profound sense of connection. Their collaboration stands as a shining example of how music, in its purest form, can dissolve boundaries and bring people together through shared beauty.