David Angel, a Los Angeles native, is one of the most well-respected composers/arrangers on West Coast. However, he is almost unknown to the public. Jim Self, tuba and bass-trombone expert, decided that it was time for a change. To record “Out on the Coast”, a stunning three-disc compilation of Angel’s music, he brought together the David Angel Jazz Ensemble. Angel is a Life Member at AFM Local 47 and plays clarinet and saxes. In his youth, he played in and wrote for Latin bands but was also drawn to classical music. Debussy and Ravel were his main influences. Jazz artists such as Jack Montrose and Gerry Mulligan, Marty Paich and Gil Evans had a similar influence on him. Angel is also a huge fan of West Coast jazz. He began his career in the music industry as an arranger and composer for television when he was 21. Angel is an educator. He was invited by France’s cultural minister to teach at Paris Conservatory. He spent the following decades teaching at Swiss and French conservatories. Angel recently taught composition and theory to the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers of Los Angeles. Angel is not only a well-known writer, but he is also a gentle, soft-spoken person who is loved by all who work with him. Bill Holman called Angel “one of our brightest sunshines” and Brad Dechter said that Angel was “quit possibly the greatest composer you’ve ever heard of and most certainly the kindest soul you could meet.” Angel still writes every single day. David Angel Jazz Ensemble was born out of the 1969 rehearsal band Angel started. The band has been rehearsing at AFM Local 47’s rehearsal room for decades. They were first located on Vine Street, Hollywood, and then at the new union facilities in Burbank. The group has featured many West Coast jazz legends over the years like Bill Perkins and Bob Cooper, Kim Richmond and Bob Brookmeyer as well as Bud Shank, Pete And Conte Condoli and Pete Christlieb. Jim Self was a regular member of the band until his retirement in 2008. From www.afm47.org
