Yoron Israel, chair of the Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music and pastor of music and art at Destiny Life Center International Church in Brockton, is at home in both the secular and spiritual worlds. “Inspiration,” his new album released in August, shows his faith in music as a balm.

“Inspiration” features vocalists Leah Hinton and Michon Young-Williams, organist Dennis Montgomery, pianist Laszlo Gardony, bassist Avery Sharpe, saxophonist Ian Buss and guitarist Rick Peckham. The album features Yoron’s original works as well as compositions “associated with Michael Jackson, Chick Corea, Ivan Lins and James Williams.” This is his ninth album and the generosity of Israel as a bandleader and composer is evident in the solo performances that appear in several tunes, especially those that are vocal.

Israel’s appreciation for many forms of music is also evident on this album and earlier recordings. “Visions” was his tribute album to Stevie Wonder. On “Basic Traneing” he plays tunes by John Coltrane. Israel hears sounds and makes them his own while maintaining their integrity.

The Banner caught up with Israel a couple of weeks ago.

Banner: Tell us about the new album, “Inspirations.”

Israel: My record is meant, first and foremost, to inspire the listening experience. Not just listeners’ ears, but their hearts and minds, too. There’s really something on the record for everyone.

Combining different worlds musically and otherwise, it encapsulates into one cohesive, organic way of appreciating the various types of music that have influenced me greatly: sacred music, blues, gospel, R&B, pop.

Leah Hinton is a featured singer on the album. Who is she?

This is my first recording that involves a considerable amount of meaningful lyrics and vocals. Around the time that I was putting together this recording, Leah and I had a regular engagement every Sunday at a Boston venue: Nia by Grace. I also knew her as a student at Berklee, and she became a very good friend of my oldest daughter who was a student at Berklee at the same time.

Leah is a kindred spirit.

What are some connections between jazz and gospel?

So many of us grew up playing in church. The training that takes place in church, especially the Black church, is such that the musicians and audience feed off one another. The audience participates in the music. Also, the stories and the message of hope is there: music being a force that can heal, motivate and inspire. Then, too, blues is the commonality in both styles of music.

Immanuel Wilkins, Samara Joy, Sullivan Fortner and Gregory Groover Jr. are all jazz musicians whose music is shaped by growing up in the church. Who are others we should know about?

James Williams was a huge mentor of mine. His band, The Intensive Care Unit, fuses these worlds in a very organic way.

I love listening to “Visions,” your album that features Stevie Wonder tunes. How did that come about?

I’ve been a Stevie Wonder fan as far back as I can remember. I had a collection of 10 or 11 of my favorite songs. Nine of these came from the ’70s. That was the so-called “golden age” of Stevie’s work. Volume 2 is in the works!

What’s up for you in the year ahead?

On Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. there will be a record release celebration at David Friend Recital Hall at Berklee. It’s an open admission event. I’m also the artistic director of a concert series called Jazz in the Sanctuary-South Shore and we’re looking at the first or second weekend of November for a performance.

ON THE WEB

Learn more at jazzviews.net/yoron-israel-inspiration