Advertisement
“...a bassist with a quality of reflective, disciplined intensity....today’s leading exponent of the flowing-melodic-line style of bass playing.” Down BeatChuck Israels is a highly respected composer, arranger, bassist, and educator whose career spans more than six decades at the forefront of modern jazz. A musician of lyrical sensitivity and deep musical intelligence, Israels has collaborated with many of the most influential artists in jazz history, including Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, J. J. Johnson, and John Coltrane.
Israels is perhaps best known for his work with the legendary Bill Evans Trio, with whom he performed and recorded from 1961 to 1966. Joining the trio during a pivotal period in its evolution, Israels helped shape its conversational, interactive approach to ensemble playing, contributing to a body of recordings that remain essential listening in the jazz canon. His artistry can be heard on landmark albums including Trio '65, Live at Shelly's Manne-Hole, and The Town Hall Concert.
Beyond performance, Israels has made lasting contributions as a leader and advocate for jazz repertory. From 1973 to 1981, he served as Director of the National Jazz Ensemble, where he championed the preservation and presentation of classic jazz compositions through ambitious large-scale projects and recordings. His work in this realm helped bridge generations of jazz musicians and audiences.
A prolific recording artist, Israels appears on numerous celebrated sessions, including Coltrane Time, My Point of View, and Getz au Go-Go. His bass playing is distinguished by its warmth of tone, structural clarity, and unwavering sense of swing.
In addition to his performing career, Israels has been a dedicated educator. He recently retired as Director of Jazz Studies at Western Washington University, where he mentored generations of emerging artists. Now based in Portland, he continues to perform, compose, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the Pacific Northwest.
Chuck Israels remains a vital and inspiring presence in jazz—an artist whose work reflects both the tradition’s rich history and its ongoing evolution.
Advertisement
Event Venue
Verdict Jazz, 159 Edward Street,Brighton and Hove, Brighton, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
