Rachael Cohen - Halftime (2013)

Whirlwind Recordings announces the debut solo album Halftime from Rachael Cohen. Originally from the Shetland Islands and now based in London, Cohen is an alto saxophonist and composer on the rise with an infectious tone and an uncanny storytelling ability that defies her age (at the time of this recording she was in her mid twenties).

Over the past few years, her live performances and composing skills have gained her attention from the UK jazz press & community, as well as Whirlwind's own Michael Janisch who produced the album. One of Cohen's strongest attributes is her lyrical and controlled phrasing when improvising which she delivers with the ease and sophistication of someone twice her age. Her sidewoman credentials are impressive as well, having performed with such notables as Joe Locke, Arild Andersen, Tommy Smith, John Hollenbeck, Donny McCaslin, Phil Robson, and Gary Versace.

Halftime showcases nine original compositions from the leader and a cover from the iconic Ornette Coleman titled 'Just for You'. Cohen's quartet features James Bashford on drums, bassist Calum Gourlay & special guest Phil Robson on guitar.

The album covers diverse musical ground but the binding thread is Cohen's use of melody which shines on each song. In Rachael's own words: "This album is really an introduction to my style and compositions. I'm influenced by a massive variety of music and have put a lot of that into my writing, something that I hope people will recognize and be able to relate to. The music featured has been written over a long stretch of time and pinpoints certain memories of mine, I think most people can relate a piece of music to particular times in their life. It's been amazing to hear the development of the my tunes from how they started, some of them a long time ago, to how they sound now, and what the quartet have brought to them. I've been really blown away by Phil's playing, along with Calum and Jim, I'm excited to get the music out there."

Rachael Cohen - alto saxophone
Phil Robson - guitars
Calum Gourlay - double bass
James Bashford - drums