Yoron Israel is a drummer, percussionist, composer, band leader and educator. 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, which include "Chicago" (Double Time), "Live at the Blue Note" (Half Note), "A Gift for You" (Freelance) and his latest release"Basic Traneing" (Ronja Music Company). These fine works have received enthusiastic praise from journalists, musical peers and fans alike. They 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.



As Yoron cites, "I want my music to be accessible for all to enjoy".



As Jack DeJohnette notes, "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", features his current trio "Organic" with organist Kyle Koehler, guitarist Ed Cherry along with special guests Jay Hoggard (vibraphone/marimba) and Billy Pierce (tenor/soprano saxophone). The recording "Chicago", released in 2000 features saxophonist Joe Lovano, organist Larry Goldings and guitarist Marvin Sewell. "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.



"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, alongside special guests, trombonist Steve Turre and saxophonist Eric Alexander. "A Gift for You", Yoron’s debut recording was produced by Ronja Music Company. It includes performances by pianist James Williams, saxophonist Donald Harrison, trumpeter Phillip Harper and bassist John Lockwood. "Connection" was formed in 1994 and highlights the unique, enticing instrumental blend of drums/percussion, guitar, vibraphone/marimba, tenor/soprano saxophone, and bass. The inspiring interplay is based on common musical vocabularies shared between the band members and formulates a unified ensemble sound that connects the listener to the musical experience.



For select engagements, Yoron has showcased the talents of Tom Harrell, James Williams, Steve Turre, Stefon Harris, 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, prominent clubs and 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, Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Heath, Grover Washington, Freddie Cole, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Pharoah Sanders, Larry Coryell, Jay Hoggard, Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Larry Coryell, Vanessa Rubin, Kevin Mahogany, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut and Joshua Redman are among the numerous artists that he has worked with. Yoron currently performs internationally with James Williams ICU and David "Fathead" Newman. Since 2000, He has maintained a busy schedule performing and recording with many outstanding Boston based artists, such as pianists Laszlo Gardony and Donal Fox 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 Ann Hampton Callaway, Larry Goldings, Jane Ira Bloom and Phil Markowitz, among others.



Yoron Israel is currently the Assistant Chair of Percussion at Berklee College of Music, Boston MA. 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). Formerly on the faculty at Rutgers University, William Paterson University and Mannes New School, Yoron continues to teach privately, conduct clinics, workshops, residencies and music camps throughout the world. These include presentations at The 2003 International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, The 2001 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Young Audiences of New Jersey (1994 – 2000), The Vermont Jazz Camp (1990 – 1997) and The Litchfield Music School (1998 and 1999).



Yoron’s varied credits have earned recognition in such publications as Outstanding Young Men of America, Down Beat, Jazz Times, Modern Drummer, Stick It, Percussive Notes, New York Times, Boston Globe and Boston Herald among others.



He is an endorser of Sonor Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads and Regal Tip Sticks.