WICN Artist of The Month October 2025: Yoron Israel

Yoron Israel is an American jazz drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, educator, author, composer, and music director from Chicago. There’s very little he can’t do! As a child, he learned to play the organ and trumpet before switching to drums. His amateur career began in high school when he played in an R&B group led by his uncle. Today, Yoron is known for spreading a feeling of joy in his drumming, compositions, and arrangements.

After earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Roosevelt University in 1986, Yoron became the drummer in a house band for a Chicago jazz club. He moved to New York City in 1989 and quickly made a name for himself by performing with jazz greats such as Henry Threadgill, Kenny Burrell, Jay Hoggard, Charles Fambrough, Art Farmer, Jim Hall, and many more. In 1995, he toured with Steve Coleman and legendary crooner Tony Bennett.

That same year, Yoron began teaching at Rutgers University. He now serves as chair and professor of percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In addition to his university teaching, he leads clinics, workshops, residencies, and music camps across the U.S. and internationally, including in China, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Japan, and Mexico. He earned a Master of Music degree from Rutgers in 1997 and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Liberty University.

As a performer, Yoron is featured on more than 300 recordings and has toured internationally with some of the most celebrated artists in jazz history. He also leads a number of innovative ensembles, each with a distinct artistic vision.

His Boston-based quartet High Standards aims to redefine jazz performance and composition, offering fresh perspectives on familiar tunes, as heard on their recent album Visions: Music of Stevie Wonder. His trio, Organic, focuses on original works and pays homage to the soulful organ traditions of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Another group, Yoron Israel & Key Players, draws inspiration from his gospel roots, blending sacred and secular styles in deeply meaningful and inventive ways. Meanwhile, his quintet Connection unites the rich textures of vibraphone, guitar, saxophone, bass, and percussion, showcasing the creative interplay and shared musical heritage of its members.

Yoron Israel and his various ensembles reflect his deep musical roots and his passion for combining tradition and innovation. His performances are marked by technical mastery, heartfelt expression, and a contagious energy that captivates audiences worldwide.

WICN looks forward to welcoming Yoron Israel to the Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center at Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury on October 24th as part of our Brian Barlow Concert Series.