YORON ISRAEL
Drummer | Percussionist | Bandleader | Composer | Educator | Author | Artistic Director

Yoron Israel is Chair and Professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He also serves as the Pastor of Music and Arts at Destiny Life Center International Church in Brockton, MA, and the Founder and Artistic Director of the concert series “Jazz in the Sanctuary-South Shore.” His varied credentials and illustrious career include ten recordings as a leader and more than two hundred as an accompanist.

His exciting, tasteful drumming and distinctive compositional and arranging talents shine on his recent album Inspiration—a powerful, deeply personal recording that celebrates the rich musical currents of the African Diaspora. The album takes listeners on a wide-ranging sonic journey, moving seamlessly through jazz, gospel, blues, and global traditions. Featuring an all-star cast—including vocalists Leah Hinton and Michon Young-Williams, organist Dennis Montgomery, pianist Laszlo Gardony, bassist Avery Sharpe, saxophonist Ian Buss, and guitarist Rick Peckham—the ensemble performs Yoron’s original works alongside compositions associated with Michael Jackson, Chick Corea, Ivan Lins, and James Williams.

Another acclaimed release, New Dreams, responds to the post-pandemic era and its universal impact on humanity. The album features his group, “Trio Plus,” along with guest artists: saxophonist Bill Pierce, vocalist Nedelka Prescod, violinist David Eure, bassist Will Slater, and pianists Kevin Harris and Michael Cochrane.

Yoron Israel’s discography also includes two recordings with his Boston-based quartet, “High Standards”—This Moment: Live in Boston and Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder—featuring pianist Laszlo Gardony, saxophonist Lance Bryant, and bassist Henry Lugo (with Ron Mahdi on Visions). Celebrating the artistry of John Coltrane, Basic Traneing showcases his organ band, “Organic,” featuring saxophonist Bill Pierce, vibraphonist/marimbist Jay Hoggard, guitarist Ed Cherry, organist Kyle Kohler, and percussionist Ernesto Diaz. Rooted in the soulful legacies of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, Organic demonstrates the ensemble’s versatility across both original compositions and classic works.

Also released on his label, Ronja Music Company, is A Gift for You (originally released in 1996 and re-released in 2006). It features the “Yoron Israel Connection,” a quintet formed in 1994 with saxophonist Lance Bryant, vibraphonist Bryan Carrott, guitarist Ed Cherry, and bassist Sean Conly, with cameo performances by bassist John Lockwood and former Art Blakey Messengers James Williams (piano), Donald Harrison (alto saxophone), and Phillip Harper (trumpet). The album offers an enticing instrumental blend, inspiring energy, and a joyful sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

As co-leader of the “Frank Walton/Yoron Israel Sextet,” Yoron co-produced Live in Chicago and The Back Step (Han-Wal Productions)—a collaboration with the late trumpeter, mentor, and longtime friend Frank Walton, Sr. Featuring Allan Chase or Jaleel Shaw on alto saxophone, Lance Bryant on tenor and soprano saxophone, Kevin Harris on piano, and Avery Sharpe on bass, the sextet is firmly rooted in the hard-bop tradition reminiscent of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet, and the Horace Silver Quintet. Delivered with renewed fire and urgency, the group presents original compositions and arrangements from all of its members.

Other notable feature albums include Chicago (Double Time, 2000), where Yoron and “Organic” pay tribute to his birthplace through original works and compositions by influential Chicago natives such as Johnny Griffin, Maurice White, Jack DeJohnette, Clifford Jordan, Donny Hathaway, and Julian Priester, and feature Joe Lovano, Larry Goldings, and Marvin Sewell. Additionally, Live at the Blue Note (Half Note, 2001) marks his second recording with “Connection,” featuring special guest artists Steve Turre (trombone and conch shells) and Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone).

These works have received enthusiastic praise from radio personalities, journalists, peers, and fans alike—reflecting the depth of Yoron Israel’s musicianship as he continues to evolve as a bandleader. He brings his diverse influences—across jazz, gospel, world music, contemporary Christian, funk, R&B, and orchestral idioms—full circle through his compositions, arrangements, and overarching ensemble concept: “Music to be enjoyed by all.”

Yoron continues to present music camps, clinics, and workshops worldwide. His educational DVD, Creative Improvisation for the Drum Set, published by Hal Leonard and Berklee Press, continues to receive admirable reviews throughout the industry. He has authored the popular Berklee Online course Drumset Fundamentals and is currently working on two new books for future publication.

He endorses Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drum Heads, Earthworks Microphones, Protection Racket Cases, Cympad Accessories, Prologix Percussion, and Vic Firth Drumsticks, Mallets, and Brushes.

Management & Booking:

Nataly Grey | nataly@milaartagency.com

Publicity:

Lydia Liebman Promotions | www.lydialiebman.com | 570-730-5297