Early on, Bob’s talent was recognized as a classically trained trombonist.  ​Playing principal trombone parts all through his junior high & high school years transitioned him into prestigious principal positions at various institutions' Jazz Ensembles & Orchestras, such as the: Peabody Jazz Ensemble; ​Towson State University Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Hank Levy; American University Jazz Ensemble; St. Mary’s College Jazz Ensemble Touring Band; and bass trombone for the University of Maryland.

Bob originally made his mark as the founder, orchestra leader, and principal trombonist of the Washington Jazz Battalion, a 16-piece Big Band, formed in 1976. The band enjoyed popularity and performed overseas, in NYC, and throughout most of the east coast. Bob's Big Band enjoyed great popularity on the East Coast, playing venues like Top of the Town; Cellar Door; Blues Alley; Wax Museum; Bethesda Blues and Jazz; Bethesda Cinema Drafthouse; Arties after Dark, among many corporate, charity, and association events. Bob's skills and the unique sound of his Big Band were noted by the Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton Administrations, where he was formally invited to perform at their Presidential Inaugurations Balls. As a musician, Bob Israel has performed in concert with Nancy Wilson, Stanley Turrentine, Harry Connick, Dizzy Gillespie, Mary Wilson, and Steve Allen. In addition to performing at Inaugural Balls, he has performed for many corporate and associate events as an orchestra leader. The Washington Jazz Battalion Big Band was one of Washington’s finest and attracted crowds of over a thousand people a night. The band was purchased by Blues Alley and became the Blues Alley Big Band directed by Bob Israel.

His musicianship extended well beyond the scope of his band and the trombone, when, after the Washington Jazz Battalion disbanded in 2002, the guitar became his second love. As a self-taught guitarist, Bob, sought out formal jazz guitar training from the late Paul Wingo ​& classical guitar training at the University of Hawaii. As a result, Bob created a distinctive guitar style, which incorporates jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass, and rock n’ roll and has been valued by many students. Total Eclipse was written, performed, and produced in 2010 and includes jazz/blues fusion of both classic favorites such as "Teach Me Tonight", as well as many original cuts.  Jazz Junkie stated that “Bob Israel, a well-known fixture on the DC area jazz circuit, leads a dynamite ensemble on this date, focusing on guitar rather than the trombone playing for which he is better known. Every tune is thoughtful and substantive, with lots of ideas and solo space, without overstaying its welcome. The production values are also outstanding -- everything has a fat, warm sound, a little reminiscent of the old Blue Note studio vibe.” Bob produced a second CD of the music of "pop grass", an idiom he came up with incorporating bluegrass riffs of original & popular songs. Both are different, but both are fantastic. 

When Bob lived in the small town of Deale, MD, he injected the local musical scene with his versatile brand of music playing at local venues such as the Captain Avery Oyster Festival and at the local community center, A Vintage Deale. The community gathered around his infectious brand of musical history and prowess. He spent a year out west in Carson City, NV and joined musical forces with many artists before he relocated to Havre de Grace where he is performing at local venues as well as teaching. 

EVENT PRODUCTION & TALENT BUYER BACKGROUND

Bob’s original training at Towson State and the University of Hawaii was in business education, and even though he was noted for his musicianship, his musical prowess did not end with performance, and he created a successful endeavor in event production. His company, Bob Israel Entertainment Services (BIES), was a full-service event production company and talent buying agency allowing him to combine his business sensibility and the experience of the music industry into one.  As such, BIES handled a vast array of musical icons, like Charlie Byrd, Kenny Rankin, Gerald Albright, Karrin Allyson, and more. He has produced large events for Children’s Hospital (Jazz-ma-tazz), and musical events at Washington, DC's famous Kennedy Center & the Strathmore Mansion, where he also served as an Artist-in-Residence.

​His company was also responsible for the talent buying at Blues Alley, the legendary Washington DC jazz club, where Bob was the Executive Producer & Talent Buyer since 1983.  On top of keeping up with his ​performance schedule, writing music, and producing events, Bob also managed to collaborate on projects like the Potomac Orchestra, ​featuring such luminaries as Chuck Redd and Mike Cotter.  He has been honored by several organizations and inducted into the Northern Virginia Blues Society Hall of Fame.