Isaac Sloan

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Biography

Call him Isaac Sloan, or call him Ike, but be sure to call him extremely talented. And call him one of the most creative and exciting new musicians on the St. George area music scene. All these descriptions, and more, describe this budding singer-songwriter.

After listening to an advance copy of the material to be included on his soon-to-be-released debut album, currently being recorded under the working title "As Promised," and viewing several recent live performances, I am convinced the future is bright for this young musician. Accompanying himself on both acoustic and electric guitars, keyboard and harmonica, Isaac sometimes evokes the vision of a young and developing Bob Dylan on stage. Indeed, he lists as one of his main influences the folk-bard refugee from Minnesota, who in his early years set out to be heard. However, although comparisons are not in order, influences are to be heard in the original compositions. Many of Isaac's early performances and recordings were of early Dylan gems, and a few are still included in his setlist, but his recent shows have been comprised mostly of self-penned compositions.

Isaac's soft, plaintive voice is the rightful conveyor of his thoughtful lyrics and rhymes. Betraying a background of wisdom beyond his age, his song lyrics run the gamut from the hunger of human longing to philosophical reflections. Usually accompanied by his own guitar, keyboard and harmonica, Isaac's songs must be listened to not just be heard, to begin to understand the carefully-crafted and sometimes understated lyrics. Much expertise is evident in the musicianship as the chording, melodies and structures have obviously been worked through painstakingly often before being presented.

While individual influences are only as good as the use they are put to, Isaac's compositions and style clearly reveals the influence of those he listened to extensively while growing up in a remote section of the Beehive State. In addition to the aforementioned influence, Isaac's songs, lyrics and performances are at times reminiscent of Jackson Browne, John Prine and Roger Waters, and a wisp of a sublime Beatles sound is occasionally detected. However, as with any true artist, Isaac has melded the past with his own peculiar talent into his own distinctive and original sound which is current and modern while retaining flavors from the past.

If you haven't had a chance to catch Isaac in performance yet, I'd recommend you not pass up the opportunity. And don't pass by his debut album, "As Promised," later this year when it is released; it, too, will be a fine introduction to this rising new singer-songwriter.

So, call him Isaac Sloan, or call him Ike. But don't forget to listen to his original songs, live or on disc, as this creative musician and singer-songwriter continues to rise and perform locally.

Thomas Stone - Music Critic,

August 20th 2009.

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Sounds Like

In an age where all music blends together into meaninglessness and cluttered polyphony I strive to write music that has a complex simplicity to it. Music that you can enjoy and yet sift beauty and meaning from.

Without a doubt modern music is more technical but is that what music is about? Music is about feeling... Not voice and tempo correction. A wise man once said, "Where words fail music speaks." Music isn't about perfection. Thats what grammar class and piano lessons are for. Music is about you and me, about how you feel, about how I feel, its expression in language that transcends the limitations of culture and conformity.

I strive continuously for a better sound, but I've stood in the footsteps of thousands of legendary musicians both historic and modern and have been fortunate enough to create a style I like. All of you who like it as well thank you so very very much.

Influences

All of the awsome musicians I have had the honor of playing with and learning from in my life. The people out there who actually believe in their music and get out there and perform even though they could probably be making more money at McDonald's. You guys are my true hero's.

And then of course there's the many incredible musicians and songwriters who used to be like us but through their perserverance inscribed themselves upon history and influenced the rest of us.

Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Guns and Roses, Bruce Springstein, Neil Young, Tracy Chapman, Weezer, The Rolling Stones, John Prine, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Yes, Smashing Pumkins, Eric Clapton, Van Halen, Tom Petty, The Who, The Kinks, Howard Shore, Lynard Skynard, Joe Ely, Al Stewart, Grateful Dead, Iron Maiden, Willie Nelson, Jon Schmidt, George Winston, Hayley Westenra, Beethooven, Lady Gaga, Lissie, Gavin Rossdale and a lot more.