Chuck Israels' Jazz Arrangements of Public Domain Songs Just Released!

Chuck Israels and I have been working on this book for six months or so, and I have to say—I've gotten tremendous pleasure out of helping the other Chuck put his book in final form.

What initially drew me in was an audio file he sent: his arrangement of “School Days.” The feeling his group generated was something completely different than my normal emotional reaction to a new jazz piece. First, I was struck by the great playing of all involved—especially trumpeter Charlie Porter. But more than that, it stirred something like nostalgia in me… not so much for the past, but for a sense of childlike wonder, simplicity, and homecoming.

It’s hard to put into words, but if you listen to the sample tracks, you might experience something similar. And definitely don’t miss the video of “Shenandoah”, which shows how beautifully Chuck Israels breathes new life into this timeless folk song.

Jazz is a big tent, and it just got a little bigger—with a whole new set of classic melodies reimagined as vehicles for improvisation.

Enjoy!
—Chuck Sher