Yoron Israel

Yoron Israel, a native Chicagoan, is one of the most gifted and sought after musicians in the music industry today. Yoron's exciting and tasteful drumming, along with his compositional talents are spotlighted throughout his CD’s. They are “Basic Traneing” (Ronja Music Company), “Chicago” (Double Time), “Live at the Blue Note” (Half Note), “A Gift for You” (Ronja Music Company) All of these fine works have received enthusiastic praise from journalists, musical peers and fans alike. The CD’s represent the extensive depth of Yoron Israel’s musicianship as he continues to evolve as a leader. He brings his unique influences and experiences in the “Jazz”, Latin, Gospel, Funk, R & B and Orchestral idioms full circle with his compositions, arrangements, repertoire and ensemble concepts. “Music to be enjoyed by all”, as Jack DeJohnette quotes, “A Gift for You” is a sparkling musical offering from a drummer who has good taste. He has a sense of direction and a feeling of joy in his drumming, compositions and arrangements. Yoron Israel is an important voice you should listen to.”

“Basic Traneing”, reached number three on the National Jazz chart in 2004. It features his current trio “Organic” with organist Kyle Koehler, guitarist Ed Cherry, along with special guests Jay Hoggard (vibraphone/ marimba) and Billy Pierce (tenor and soprano saxophone). Yoron’s group, “Organic” performs original compositions associated with the soulful organ legacy of Jimmy Smith, Larry Young and Lonnie Smith as well as arrangements of “standards” that bridge the gap between musical styles, highlighting the versatility and virtuosity of the musicians.

The recording “Chicago”, released in 2000 on the Double Time label, features saxophonist Joe Lovano, organist Larry Goldings and guitarist Marvin Sewell. Yoron pays tribute to his birthplace by performing original works and compositions by other influential Chicago natives such as Johnny Griffin, Maurice White, Jack Dejohnette, Clifford Jordan, Donny Hathaway and Julian Priester.

“Live from the Blue Note” is Yoron Israel’s second recording, featuring his quintet “Connection”, with vibraphonist Bryan Carrott, guitarist Ed Cherry, and bassist Sean Conly, along side special guests, trombonist Steve Turre and saxophonist Eric Alexander. “A Gift for You”, Yoron’s debut recording was produced by Ronja Music Company, originally released in 1996 and recently re-released in 2006. It includes performances by pianist James Williams, saxophonists Lance Bryant and Donald Harrison, trumpeter Phillip Harper and bassist John Lockwood along with regulars Carrott and Cherry. “Connection “ was formed in 1994 and highlights the unique and enticing instrumental blend of drums/percussion, vibraphone/marimba, guitar, tenor/soprano saxophone, and bass. The inspiring interplay is based on common musical vocabularies shared by the band members and formulates a unified ensemble sound that connects the listener to this musical experience.

For select engagements, Yoron has showcased the talents of Tom Harrell, Steve Turre, Miles Griffith, Antonio Hart, Eric Alexander, Amina Claudine Meyers and Joe Lovano, bringing even more diversity and impact to his performances. In addition to leading “Connection”, “Organic” and the newly formed Boston based band “High Standards”, Yoron’s brilliant musicality, intensity and versatility are appreciated worldwide, through consistent performances at prestigious concerts, notable festivals, and prominent clubs as well as on more than 100 major recordings. Otis Clay, Shirley Caesar, Kenny Burrell, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Abbey Lincoln, Ahmad Jamal, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutchinson, Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Heath, Cedar Walton, Grover Washington, Freddie Cole, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Pharoah Sanders, David “Fathead” Newman, Red Holloway, Larry Coryell, Doctor Lonnie Smith, Bennie Wallace, Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Vanessa Rubin, Kevin Mahogany, Roy Hargrove, Bill Mays, James Williams, Cyrus Chestnut and Joshua Redman are among the numerous artists that he has worked with. He currently performs regularly with Vocalist Cynthia Scott and Jay Hoggard. Since 2000, he has maintained a busy schedule performing and recording with many outstanding Boston based artists, such as The Macanda Project, Laszlo Gardony, Stan Strickland, Tiger Ohkoshi, Gabrielle Goodman, Shawn Monterro and Lance Bryant to name a few. Additionally, he has become a first call accompanist for a wide range of artists appearing in the New England area; this list includes Frank Morgan, Joanne Brackeen, Eliane Elias, Larry Goldings, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jane Ira Bloom, Clark Terry and Joey DeFrancesco, among others. Yoron’s upcoming musical projects include performances with vocalist Kenny Rankin, as well a new recording this summer, his fifth as a leader.

Yoron Israel is currently the Assistant Chair of Percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts. He received his Master of Music degree from Rutgers University ‘97 (New Brunswick, NJ) and Bachelor of Music degree from Roosevelt University’86 (Chicago IL). He has recently authored an educational DVD, entitled “Creative Jazz Improvisation for Drum Set”, and published by Hal Leonard and Berklee Press Company. Mr. Israel was formerly on the faculty at Rutgers University, William Paterson University and Mannes New School, he continues to teach privately, conduct clinics, workshops, residencies and music camps throughout the world. These include the Hokkaido Groove Camp, Sapporo, Japan (2009, ‘08, ‘07), the Seminario & Encuentro Internacional de Jazz, Xalapa Mexico (2004 & 2006), Berklee Percussion Festivals (2003