By Eric Alper.
With a lineup of songs that span the blues genre, Whitehorse, Yukon-born; North Cowichan, BC / Vancouver Island-based Brandon Isaak is set to stun audiences once again with the release of his new album, One Step Closer.
Throughout the album, Isaak explores classic iterations of the blues with the occasional modern twist. The record flirts with a vintage, New Orleans sound and incorporates an array of old-time instruments, from fiddle and banjo to washboard and lap steel. Through his collaborations with masterful veteran musicians like David Vest, Al Pease, Darryl Havers, and others, Isaak creates a rich, timeless culmination of sounds, styles, and themes with the power to transport the listener to the French Quarter and beyond.
“It was such an honour to work with these veteran master musicians and I could not be more happy with the final outcome of the recording,” Isaak said.
The first single from the album, “House Bound Blues,” will also release on September 22. The single highlights Isaak’s skillful songwriting and intentionally crafted lyrics:
Take it easy, we'll see this through
Everybody talkin' bout the dyin' flu
Don’t you worry, we'll be fine
Dim the lights, and open up the wine
The album’s themes and lyrics range from lost love and positive thinking to spirituals and “down and out” subject matter.
“I always try to write from the heart, no matter if I’m writing about hard times, funny situations or singing about the spirit,” said Isaak.
One Step Closer spotlights the best of Isaak: the Yukon-born artist is known for his preeminent songwriting skills and his mastery of multiple instruments, from guitar to banjo to harmonica and more. The new record pulls these elements together into an authentic, emotional journey bolstered by raw musical talent and an expert command of the blues
A dash of Taj Mahal, a sprinkle of B.B. King and a few drops of Lightin Hopkins: stir it up, simmer on low and you have Brandon Isaak.
A dash of Taj Mahal, a sprinkle of B.B. King and a few drops of Lightin Hopkins: stir it up, simmer on low and you have Brandon Isaak.
Crowds always leave Brandon’s shows with a smile on their face and a need to come back for more. This Yukon born songster performs a mixture of thoughtful, humorous, spiritual and catchy memorable songs; always delivered with world class guitar, harmonica and vocals. Lyrics are paramount and it’s obvious when you see his accolades and hear his music. After 35 years in the business, this international touring artist is always asked back as he’s a total pro off and on the stage. If you like top notch blues, hard hitting lyrics and great night of entertainment, Brandon Isaak is your man.
Brandon Isaak is a one-of-a-kind world class roots and blues showman! He engages with an audience, getting them involved and part of the show. New fans are made at every show as they leave the venue still singing catchy lines and humming new melodies. Brandon is a multi-instrumentalist who writes heartfelt, uplifting, funny and spiritual songs. This Yukon born artist takes his audiences on an emotional journey through the varieties of his original songs. He has honed his craft over the past 37 years and it shows every night. His gravelly singing voice always astounds people that wonder how that big voice comes out of his smaller frame! He has played in three continents and 8 countries, as well as 13 European tours.
Brandon has won and been nominated for many awards including Maple Blues for song writing of the year, blues act of the year, producer of the year, guitar player of the year, album of the year. He also has 2 Juno nominations under his belt.
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