David Bennett Cohen
Band Story
"Mr. Cohen isn't the average hippie gone Wall Street; he's also a certifiably smokin' barrelhouse rumba boogie-woogie piano player in the James Booker/Professor Longhair/Dr. John vein."
David Bennett Cohen has been a professional musician for more than 40 years. Best known for his innovative keyboard playing as an original member of the '60s rock band Country Joe and the Fish, he is also an accomplished guitar player who has been involved in numerous music scenes throughout his diverse career.
David began his musical education at the age of seven, studying classical piano for seven years. While learning piano, he also taught himself guitar, beginning at the age of nine. At 14, he heard boogie-woogie piano for the first time and was instantly hooked. Since then, he has explored many different styles of blues and popular music. He was fortunate enough to witness live performances by Otis Spann, Professor Longhair, Meade Lux Lewis, and other masters of the genre.
"What separates Cohen from a lot of other players is his unassuming ease behind the keys and his ability to take that admiration past rote emulation, invoking the spirits of boogie-woogie, stride, and blues piano greats without ever forcing things or merely replicating other folks' licks."
In addition to Country Joe and the Fish, he has played and/or recorded with The Blues Project, Mick Taylor, The Luther Tucker Blues Band, Elvin Bishop, Hubert Sumlin, Melvin Van Peebles, Happy and Artie Traum, Arlen Roth, Eric Anderson, David Blue, Tim Hardin, Norton Buffalo, Jerry Miller, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Buddy Miles, Canned Heat, John Cipollina, Huey Lewis, Michael Bloomfield, Bob Weir, John Kahn, Johnnie Johnson, Jimmy Vivino, Jay Owens, Debbie Davies, Byther Smith, Bobby Kyle, Bill Perry, Rocky Lawrence, Johnny B. Gayden, Sandra Feva, and others.
As a solo performer, he has shared the bill with Country Joe McDonald, Kenny Rankin, Bonnie Raitt, Richard Thompson, Jerry Garcia, Leo Kottke, Rufus Thomas, Meat Loaf, Booker T., The Roches, Kingfish, J. Geils and Magic Dick, and many others.
He also played on Broadway and toured in the hit show RENT, doubling on keyboards and guitar.
His latest CD, "Cookin’ With Cohen", is out on Core Records and is available online. His previous albums, "In the Pocket" and "David Bennett Cohen at the Piano", have received great reviews and are also available online.
David has recorded numerous blues piano and organ instructional products for Homespun Tapes, including DVDs, audio and video tapes, and book/CD packages. His instructional materials have reached students around the world, some of whom have gone on to have successful musical careers, including Peter Cincotti and Dave Keyes.
He is one of those rare musicians who consistently plays to great acclaim while also enjoying the challenge of teaching his craft.
Despite his busy schedule, David still finds time for private piano and guitar students. His professionalism, attitude, and musicianship enhance any project he is involved with.
He currently lives in the New York City area.
"Cohen radiates the 88's impeccably."
(All excerpts: CMJ New Music Report, by James Lein)
Contact: Janet Castiel
Redwood Entertainment, Inc.
Email: Janet.Castiel@RedwoodEntertainment.com
Website: www.davidbennettcohen.com
David Bennett Cohen has been a professional musician for more than 40 years. Best known for his innovative keyboard playing as an original member of the '60s rock band Country Joe and the Fish, he is also an accomplished guitar player who has been involved in numerous music scenes throughout his diverse career.
David began his musical education at the age of seven, studying classical piano for seven years. While learning piano, he also taught himself guitar, beginning at the age of nine. At 14, he heard boogie-woogie piano for the first time and was instantly hooked. Since then, he has explored many different styles of blues and popular music. He was fortunate enough to witness live performances by Otis Spann, Professor Longhair, Meade Lux Lewis, and other masters of the genre.
"What separates Cohen from a lot of other players is his unassuming ease behind the keys and his ability to take that admiration past rote emulation, invoking the spirits of boogie-woogie, stride, and blues piano greats without ever forcing things or merely replicating other folks' licks."
In addition to Country Joe and the Fish, he has played and/or recorded with The Blues Project, Mick Taylor, The Luther Tucker Blues Band, Elvin Bishop, Hubert Sumlin, Melvin Van Peebles, Happy and Artie Traum, Arlen Roth, Eric Anderson, David Blue, Tim Hardin, Norton Buffalo, Jerry Miller, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Buddy Miles, Canned Heat, John Cipollina, Huey Lewis, Michael Bloomfield, Bob Weir, John Kahn, Johnnie Johnson, Jimmy Vivino, Jay Owens, Debbie Davies, Byther Smith, Bobby Kyle, Bill Perry, Rocky Lawrence, Johnny B. Gayden, Sandra Feva, and others.
As a solo performer, he has shared the bill with Country Joe McDonald, Kenny Rankin, Bonnie Raitt, Richard Thompson, Jerry Garcia, Leo Kottke, Rufus Thomas, Meat Loaf, Booker T., The Roches, Kingfish, J. Geils and Magic Dick, and many others.
He also played on Broadway and toured in the hit show RENT, doubling on keyboards and guitar.
His latest CD, "Cookin’ With Cohen", is out on Core Records and is available online. His previous albums, "In the Pocket" and "David Bennett Cohen at the Piano", have received great reviews and are also available online.
David has recorded numerous blues piano and organ instructional products for Homespun Tapes, including DVDs, audio and video tapes, and book/CD packages. His instructional materials have reached students around the world, some of whom have gone on to have successful musical careers, including Peter Cincotti and Dave Keyes.
He is one of those rare musicians who consistently plays to great acclaim while also enjoying the challenge of teaching his craft.
Despite his busy schedule, David still finds time for private piano and guitar students. His professionalism, attitude, and musicianship enhance any project he is involved with.
He currently lives in the New York City area.
"Cohen radiates the 88's impeccably."
(All excerpts: CMJ New Music Report, by James Lein)
Contact: Janet Castiel
Redwood Entertainment, Inc.
Email: Janet.Castiel@RedwoodEntertainment.com
Website: www.davidbennettcohen.com
Band Members
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: New York (NY)
Genre: Blues