By Matt Micucci
Dot Time Records announced the signing of composer, arranger and bassist Chuck Israels.
Bassist, composer and arranger Chuck Israels is best known for his workw ith the Bill Evans Trio from 1961 through 1966. Throughout his career he collaborated with other such great artists as Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and many others.
He is also know for his pioneering accomplishments in Jazz Repertory as Director of the National Jazz Ensemble from 1973 to 1981.
Recently retired from directing the jazz studies program at Western Washington University, Chuck moved to Portland, Oregon to work in its vibrant jazz community and participate in his favorite Northwest city’s cultural life.
In 2011, he founded the Chuck Israels Orchestra, to showcase some of the best jazz instrumentalists and vocalists in the Northwest, playing finely crafted and demanding arrangements of the most exciting and durable music we know.
The band has played at such international events as the Detroit Jazz Festival. Their debut CD, Second Wind, received a 4 ½ star review from DownBeat.
Israel’s first release with Dot Time Record is to be entitled Garden of Delights. It will be released on April 15, 2016.
In addition during the next year, Dot Time Records will also release selected archival recordings of the National Jazz Ensemble. The first release in this series is expected in early 2016.