Chuck Israels: Rhythm and Romance (2016)

by | Jan 27, 2016 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

Chuck Israels: Rhythm and Romance (2016)

Director: Elijah Hasan
Studio: Elijah Hasan
Video: 16:9 color
Audio: English PCM stereo
Subtitles: None
Length: 36 min.
Rating: ****

Portland, OR resident Chuck Israels performed for five years as bassist with the Bill Evans Trio and has also worked with J.J. Johnson, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock and Hampton Hawes, among others. He developed his writing and arranging with the Metropole Orchestra and now has his own repertory orchestra, The National Jazz Ensemble, which is heard in the film. He moved to Portland after nearly a quarter-century teaching music in universities.

Israels also has an octet with some of the top players in the area, and much of its repertory has been arranged by Israels based on recorded performances by Bill Evans. He also applies his methods to other music and is meticulous in his rehearsals and practice. The film shows him making a salad in his kitchen while talking about his ideas on music. The documentary may be seen online at Vimeo and may eventually be carried by Amazon.

—John Henry

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