Where Are You

Do you Know how dark the world can be. Have you even been outside lately Why can't we all just get along When I say hello you look surprised the shock is showing in your eyes Someone you don't know just told you hi You don't care you think your cool You look at me like I'm a fool Where will you be when the world comes crashing down? When your less than you thought you were Can't do what you want no more Would you have have the time to talk to you When shadows drift across the sky Will you even stop to wonder why You never really thought this day would come

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Isaac Sloan

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 "Unlabeled," 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, "Unlabeled," next 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,

Dec. 11, 2006.