Israeli bassist and composer Avishai Cohen has announced the launch of his latest studio album, “Unbiblical,” a project inspired by the posthumous writings of legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. The album is set to make its world premiere in January at the Tel Aviv Culture Palace (Heichal HaTarbut), before embarking on an international concert tour, according to reports from The Jerusalem Post.
The core of “Unbiblical” consists of 14 new tracks recorded in Paris, featuring an international ensemble assembled by Cohen. The lyrics for the album are drawn from “The Flame,” a collection of Leonard Cohen’s final poems and writings, which was published after Cohen’s death in 2016. The project has received authorization from Leonard Cohen’s family and estate executors, ensuring the use of the late artist’s work is fully endorsed.
Cohen’s new album represents the culmination of three years of development, with the composer working closely with musicians from various countries to bring the project to fruition. The live premiere at the Tel Aviv Culture Palace will serve as the launchpad for a broader international tour, though specific dates and locations for the tour have yet to be announced.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Cohen recorded the tracks in Paris, highlighting the international scope of the project. The ensemble features artists from diverse musical backgrounds, reflecting both Cohen’s and Leonard Cohen’s traditions of blending genres and crossing cultural boundaries.
“The Flame,” the source of the album’s lyrics, is a collection that offers insight into Leonard Cohen’s final years. Published posthumously, the book includes poems, lyrics, and notebook entries that explore themes of love, loss, spirituality, and mortality—hallmarks of Cohen’s enduring literary and musical legacy.
Avishai Cohen is widely recognized for his work as a bassist and composer, with a career spanning jazz, world music, and contemporary classical influences. His decision to base an album on Leonard Cohen’s writings marks a significant intersection between Israeli and Canadian musical traditions, as well as a tribute to one of the most influential poets and songwriters of the 20th century.
The project has drawn attention for its careful stewardship of Leonard Cohen’s legacy. The involvement of Cohen’s family and estate executors indicates a high level of trust in Avishai Cohen’s artistic vision and sensitivity to the original material. This collaboration underscores the ongoing relevance of Leonard Cohen’s work in contemporary music and literature.
While reactions from audiences and critics are still forthcoming, anticipation is building ahead of the album’s live premiere in Tel Aviv. The international tour is expected to introduce new audiences to both Avishai Cohen’s interpretations and Leonard Cohen’s final writings, potentially expanding the reach of both artists’ legacies.
Why it matters
The launch of “Unbiblical” highlights the enduring global influence of Leonard Cohen’s poetry and songwriting, as his posthumous works continue to inspire new artistic projects. By drawing on “The Flame,” Avishai Cohen connects contemporary audiences to the late artist’s final creative output, ensuring that Cohen’s literary voice remains present in today’s music scene.
This project also marks a significant collaboration between Israeli and international artists, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. The album’s recording in Paris and the involvement of an international ensemble reflect the cross-cultural appeal of Leonard Cohen’s work and Avishai Cohen’s commitment to musical innovation.
With the support of Leonard Cohen’s family and estate, “Unbiblical” stands as an officially sanctioned tribute that may set a precedent for future adaptations of posthumous literary works. As the album premieres in Tel Aviv and prepares for an international tour, it will be important to watch how audiences respond to this fusion of poetry and music, and whether it encourages similar projects that bridge literary and musical traditions.
The image accompanying this article is an AI-generated illustrative depiction inspired by the actual scene of the event.
