The National Jazz Ensemble, under Chuck Israels’ leadership, set the standard for jazz repertory orchestras during its four-year existence in the mid-1970s. The American Jazz Orchestra of 1980, the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall companies, and the Chicago and Seattle repertory organisations of today all owe a lot to the NJE and the New York Jazz Repertory Ensemble which only existed briefly in the 1970s. Israel’s eclectic interests, unrestrained energy, and appreciation for continuity across eras of music reflected the National Jazz Ensemble. Israels recruited long-standing musicians to join his ranks of emerging ones. Tom Harrell was seated in the trumpet section alongside Jimmy Maxwell, who began his career in the 1930s. Jimmy Knepper, a Trombone veteran, played with Gerry Chamberlain. The NJE’s arrangements included both classics and new pieces that were meticulously transcribed. Jelly Roll Morton’s 1926 “Black Bottom Stomp”, was shared with Dave Berger (1974). Originals by Israels, Rod Levitt, and Bill Evans were accompanied by items from the oeuvres, including those of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Harrell, Knepper, and the saxophonists Sal Nistico, Joe Romano and Gregory Herbert were just a few of the unique members of this ensemble. On the eve their 20th anniversary in the Phil Woods quintet, Bill Goodwin and Steve Gilmore were part of the rhythm section. http://jazztimes.com
