
CHUCK ISRAELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Chuck Israels, revered as one of the preeminent bassists in the world, Grammy winner has performed and recorded with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, J.J. Johnson, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Williams, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hall, Patti Austin, Gary Burton, George Russell, the Kronos String Quartet, and countless others.
Among Chuck’s many recordings as a bassist, some outstanding ones include: Coltrane Time, with John Coltrane; My Point of View, with Herbie Hancock; Getz au Go-Go, with Stan Getz; and many recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, including The Town Hall Concert; The Second Trio; Trio ’65; Live at the Trident; and Time Remembered. In 2020 Chuck won a Grammy for his work with opera star Joyce DiDonato on her recording “Songplay”
As an acclaimed composer and arranger, Chuck has written for Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Berkshire Music Center, Richard Stoltzman, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Swedish Radio Jazz Orchestra, West German Radio Jazz Orchestra, North German Radio Jazz Orchestra, Radio Denmark Jazz Orchestra, Hannover Symphony Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, and others.
Featuring:Chuck Israels: Bass | John Nastos: Alto saxophone | Dave Evans: Tenor saxophone | Joe Manis: Baritone saxophone | Paul Mazzio: Trumpet | John Moak: Trombone | Joe Bagg: Piano | Chris Brown: Drums
Tickets: $25.00~180.00
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LAKECIA BENJAMIN
Lakecia Benjamin is a 5-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator whose music blends jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Known for her warm tone and dynamic performances, she has collaborated with artists such as Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Gregory Porter, and Terri Lyne Carrington.
Benjamin has released several acclaimed albums, including Pursuance: The Coltranes (2020) and Phoenix (2023), which earned three Grammy nominations. A New York City native, she studied at the New School under jazz legends like Gary Bartz and Reggie Workman, honing her craft while touring with luminaries across genres.
Tickets: $45.00~$50.00
Showtimes:
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RYAN PETERSON TRIO
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CC + THE ADELITAS
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Requisites
Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 1 ~ The Miles Davis Sextet | By Eddie Carter
Submitted for your approval this morning is the first of two unique 1973 albums, capturing an unforgettable event. Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 1 (Columbia C 32470) is a live recording of a jazz party hosted by Columbia Records in The Persian Room of New York City’s Plaza Hotel on September 9, 1958. This celebration represented a significant moment in Columbia’s history, acknowledging the impressive talent of jazz artists on the label’s roster. The guests enjoyed a performance by The Miles Davis Sextet during the first set: Miles Davis on trumpet, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley (tracks: A1, B2) on alto sax, John Coltrane (A1, B1, B2) on tenor sax, Bill Evans on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. My copy is the original U.S. Stereo release.
The album opener is misidentified as Jazz at The Plaza on the back cover and record label, but it is Thelonious Monk’s Straight, No Chaser. The song’s brisk pace sets the stage for the sextet’s lively introduction and theme. Miles delivers a vigorous opening statement, followed by John’s adventurous interpretation. Cannonball provides an energetic solo next. Bill makes a concise contribution before the ensemble returns for the finale and a brief presentation of the sextet’s theme. The pace slows for Bill’s introduction to the Rodgers and Hart classic My Funny Valentine. This highlight of the quartet sees Miles switching to the mute for the gentle melody and a beautiful solo. Bill follows with an enchanting statement, and Paul walks delicately toward the closing chorus and sensitive climax.
If I Were a Bell by Frank Loesser opens the second side with a short piano introduction that segues into the ensemble’s medium melody. Miles takes the lead with an agile, muted opening statement. John continues wailing in a spirited performance. Bill sinks his teeth into a captivating interpretation next, leading to the theme’s restatement and conclusion. Oleo by Sonny Rollins raises the tempo for Miles’s muted introduction, which leads to the sextet’s quick theme. Miles starts the opening statement with infectious heat, while John fuels the following performance with electrifying notes. Cannonball launches into a furiously hard-driving solo next, and then Bill keeps the fire burning with a concise comment. Paul has his turn in a short interlude before Miles guides the way to a speedy culmination.
Teo Macero and Irving Townsend produced Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 1, with recording engineer Russ Payne capturing the event for posterity. While the sound quality may not meet Columbia’s usual high standards, its unique charm conveys the exhilarating energy of the group’s performances. After listening to this album, I’ll be looking to find its companion, Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 2, featuring Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, Billie Holiday, and Jimmy Rushing. If you appreciate the trumpeter’s work from the fifties, I recommend exploring Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 1 by The Miles Davis Sextet, on your next record hunt. It offers a compelling snapshot of the ensemble’s fiery live performance and should make a worthy addition to any jazz enthusiast’s library!
Postscript: The owners of the long-out-of-print Mosaic Records box set, The Complete Columbia Recordings of Miles Davis With John Coltrane, also has a copy of Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 1.
~ Jazz at The Plaza, Volume 2 (Columbia C 32471), The Complete Columbia Recordings of Miles Davis With John Coltrane (Mosaic Records MQ9-191) – Source: Discogs.com
~ Straight, No Chaser – Source: JazzStandards.com
~ If I Were a Bell – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter
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