Israeli-born virtuoso Anat Cohen is currently regarded as THE clarinet ambassador to the world. On this eclectic outing she is joined by Israeli bassist Tal Mashiach, Brazilian pianist/accordionist Vitor Gonçalves, and American vibraphonist James Shipp (all members of her acclaimed Tentet). Together they deliver a vibrant set of stylistically diverse originals, along with covers of classics by Brazilian masters Jobim (“O Bobo”) and Egberto Gismonti (“Palhaço”). From Shipp’s mysterioso “Baroquen Spirit” to a take on Gismonti’s blazing, chops-busting “Frevo” to Cohen’s loping, second-line fueled “Louisiana” and her moody, chamber-like “Canon,” the playing and interaction are extraordinary throughout. Perhaps most affecting is a stirring rendition of “Going Home,” a longing melody from Antonin Dvorák’s “New World Symphony” that was later repurposed as a spiritual by Paul Robeson and as Americana by Charlie Haden. Cohen plays this calming hymn on bass clarinet, accompanied by Gonçalves’ accordion, Shipp’s vibes, and Mashiach’s bass. Mashiach’s melancholy “The Old Guitar” is played with remarkable emotive powers by Cohen on clarinet and Gonçalves on accordion. The ensemble also delves into modernist fare on Shipp’s quirky “Boa Tarde Povo” and Cohen’s soothing 6/4 number “Birdie,” featuring Gonçalves’ Fender Rhodes electric piano.

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