Anat Cohen's Quartetinho Blossoms on 'Bloom'

Grammy-nominated clarinetist Anat Cohen is set to release Bloom, the sophomore album from her band Quartetinho, on September 27, 2024. This follow-up to their 2022 self-titled debut showcases the group's versatility and global musical outlook.

Quartetinho, Portuguese for "little quartet," belies its name with a rich, expansive sound. Each member doubles on multiple instruments, with Cohen on various clarinets, Tal Mashiach on bass and guitar, Vitor Gonçalves on piano and accordion, and James Shipp on vibraphone and percussion.

This lineup allows the group to explore a wide range of styles and textures. The new album features original compositions from all four members, alongside fresh interpretations of Thelonious Monk's "Trinkle, Tinkle" and Paraguayan composer Augustín Barrios Mangoré's "La Catedral."

Cohen's clarinet playing has earned her consistent accolades, including top honors in DownBeat polls and from the Jazz Journalists Association. But Quartetinho is no one-woman show. The group's chemistry stems from years of collaboration, with all members also part of Cohen's larger ensemble, the Grammy-nominated Anat Cohen Tentet.

"These guys are all fabulous players and writers — and wonderfully creative people all-around," Cohen says of her bandmates. She highlights their ability to develop ideas collectively, praising their openness to different genres and musical approaches.

The album's first single, "Paco," composed by bassist Mashiach, is available now. It showcases the group's ability to blend introspection with flowing melody.

Other album highlights include:

"The Night Owl" (Cohen) - A playful opener based on one of Cohen's clarinet études
"Coco Rococo" (Cohen/Shipp) - A Brazilian-flavored groove with Cohen's melody
"Superheroes in the Gig Economy" (Shipp) - A dynamic piece originally for dance
"Tango Para Guillermo" (Gonçalves) - A nod to Astor Piazzolla's tango nuevo style

Producer Oded Lev-Ari, Cohen's long-time collaborator and Anzic Records partner, helped shape the album's sound. Their approach to arranging Barrios's "La Catedral" exemplifies the group's willingness to reimagine classical works through a jazz lens.

Cohen reflects on Quartetinho's impact on her own playing: "This band really seems to bring out the dedication to song in my playing, in everyone's playing. I know that I feel a lot of support from the group when I'm playing melodies."

While respecting musical traditions, Cohen emphasizes the importance of personal expression. "It's important to balance a respect for these deep traditions with the chutzpah to say something personal, to be real," she says.

Bloom will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.

Enjoy the Spotlight On episode with another modern master of the clarinet, musician and educator James Falzone.