Episode Summary: In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, Steven Roby sits down with Grammy-nominated clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen. Known for her expressive virtuosity and infectious charisma, Anat is bringing a massive milestone celebration to San Francisco.
We discuss her upcoming "50th Birthday Celebration" at SFJAZZ (December 11-12), a career-spanning residency featuring her intimate "Quartetinho" ensemble and her expansive 10-piece "Tentet." Anat opens up about growing up in a musical household in Tel Aviv, her "student for life" philosophy while pursuing a master’s degree in Rio de Janeiro, and the creative visualization behind her latest album, Bloom.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- The Cohen Family House: Growing up in Tel Aviv with brothers Yuval and Avishai and fighting for sonic space.
- Defining "Quartetinho": How her "little quartet" creates a massive sound through multi-instrumentalism (accordion, vibes, guitar, and electronics).
- Visualizing the Music: The fascinating story of how a solo clarinet practice session evolved into the track "The Night Owl."
- The Eternal Student: Why Anat returned to university to study Brazilian music in the middle of a successful touring career.
- Big Band Energy: Recording Interaction Live with the WDR Big Band and her brothers.
- Show Preview: What audiences can expect at the SFJAZZ Birthday Celebration, from intimate duos to "wild party moments".
Featured Music:
- "The Night Owl" – From the album Bloom (2024, Anzic Records).
- "Footsteps and Smiles" – From the album Interaction Live (2025, Anzic Records).
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