Azica Records, Inc.
Recording Artist Profile...

Chuck Israels

Renowned bassist and composer, Chuck Israels, refined his unique style during the early 1960's performing in both Europe and New York with such greats as Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, Lucky Thompson, George Russell and the legendary Benny Goodman. A highlight of this period was his work with the Bill Evans Trio.

In 1966, Israels, seeking to expand his role in the creative process, left the road to study composition and arranging with Hall Overton. Working in the studios and theatres of New York, he gained experience conducting Broadway shows.

A move to California in 1981 was prompted by a job with the San Francisco Opera Company for Chuck's wife, soprano Margot Hanson. Most of the time in the Bay Area was spent writing arrangements and compositions for big bands and for an octet which, while having the impact and color of an organized ensemble, provided the flexibility and freedom akin to his work with the Bill Evans Trio. This repertoire, along with some compositions for smaller ensembles, forms the basis of the music that Chuck Israels is now performing. Since 1986, Chuck has continued to conduct and write for various European radio orchestras and to perform as a bassist with the Barry Harris Trio while maintaining his position as Director of Jazz Studies at Western Washington in Bellingham.

Among Chuck's many recordings, some outstanding ones include: Coltrane Time, with John Coltrane; My Point of View, with Herbie Hancock; Getz au Go-Go, with Stan Getz; and many recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, including The Town Hall Concert; Trio '65, Time Remembered; and Live at Shelley's Manne Hole..

Azica Releases
Metropole Orchestra/Eindhoven Concert AJD-72206
Claudio Roditi, trumpet

These and all other Azica jazz releases are featured in the Jazz Library.