August 10, 1936

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Bassist, arranger, composer and bandleader Chuck Israels was born Aug. 10, 1936 in New York City.

Raised in a musical family in Cleveland, Israels had the opportunity to meet Louis Armstrong in 1948 when his parents featured Armstrong’s All-Stars in a concert series.

A bassist from an early age, Israels started at the top, performing with Billie Holiday while he was still in college and working with Bud Powell in Paris.

Israels made his first recording on Coltrane Time (next to Coltrane and Cecil Taylor) and became well-known for his work with the Bill Evans Trio during 1961-66.

He directed the National Jazz Ensemble (1973-81) and has led the Chuck Israels Jazz Orchestra in Portland since 2011.

Here is Chuck Israels showcased on “My Romance” from the Shablul Jazz Club in Tel Aviv on Nov. 19, 2009.

Personnel:

Chuck Israels, bass
Alec Katz, piano
Yonatan Rosen, drums

– Scott Yanow

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