Following the orchestral manoeuvres of 2021's epic Two Roses, shape-shifting Israeli bassist Cohen returns to the trio format – and the result might just be his best album since Gently Disturbed 14 years ago. The protean qualities that make Cohen such a compelling musician to follow are also married to a consistency that's remarkable for so lengthy and varied a career – compositions such as this album's title track, ‘Intertwined’ and ‘The Window’ are up there with his best – but what lifts Shifting Sands from very good to truly great is the playing (described by my Jazzwise colleague John Fordham as "incandescent") and interplay of this trio. Longtime collaborator Shirinov has an almost telepathic rapport with his boss, but the addition of recent Berklee graduate Kaspi adds real percussive heft to the proceedings. The result is a mixture of musical dexterity, precision, pianistic lyricism, virtuosic dazzle and power with a strong group feel and a pleasingly upbeat vibe, particularly on the sweet and summery traditional tune ‘Hitragut’ or Cohen's thoughtful composition ‘Dvash’. Three supremely gifted musicians, playing first-rate originals and pushing each other on in the process. What's not to like? One of 2022's best, without doubt.