Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Edwards.
Isaac Edwards graduated from North Central University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance (Saxophone). He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Music (Jazz Studies) from California State University Long Beach, where he studied extensively with renowned jazz saxophonists, Eric Marienthal and Jeff Clayton (Clayton-Hamilton Big Band). Isaac has opened for renowned artists such as Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith and has performed at Paisley Park (the late Prince’s extraordinary private estate). He has performed and recorded with multiple top-notch musicians including Malcolm-Jamal Warner (a.k.a. Theo from the Cosby Show), Kirk Whalum (saxophonist for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”), Eddie Bullen, Liberty Silver, John Blackwell (Prince), Michael Bland (Prince), Tommy Barberalla (Prince) and Darryl Williams.
Additionally, he has had the honor of playing with the Bernie James sextet and Gary Greene’s Big Band of Barristers in Los Angeles. Isaac has recorded two solo albums and his previous single (Begin Again) achieved the Most Added list on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Chart. Most recently, Isaac’s’ new single, “On The Town,” is available on all music/streaming platforms. The single was produced by hitmaker Jacob Webb and features the smooth flugelhorn of Randall Haywood of Sounds of A&R. “On The Town” follows up on Isaac’s most-recent single, “Bird Rock” which landed extensive radio play on smooth jazz radio stations worldwide, including Sirius’ Watercolors and peaked at number 20 on the Groove Jazz Chart. Being a bit of an over-achiever, Isaac also holds a degree in law from Pepperdine School of Law and is a practicing litigation attorney. Isaac previously served as worship leader for two churches. He currently volunteers his time playing saxophone and keyboards for a local church in beautiful San Diego, where he resides with his lovely wife, Laura.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many challenges along the way. As a musician, one of my biggest challenges deciding what kind of musician I wanted to be. I love to play my saxophone, and if it were up to me, I’d practice/play all day every day. However, the reality is that I would likely be very poor. So I had to decide if I wanted to be a struggling artist or if I wanted to have more financial stability in my life. I chose the latter and went to law school. After law school, I started practicing as an attorney. I found this extremely hard to do. Being an attorney is hard, and, oftentimes, work/life balance is not a reality. It’s hard to find time to practice/play when you have to bill over 2000 hours a year and even if you have the time, you’re exhausted. Nevertheless, I knew that there was something inside of me that I had to do or I would regret it later in life. I started practicing again…nights/weekends. There was a period of time where I would practice at 4:30 a.m.! That was my reality for a while.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a contemporary jazz saxophonist. I specialized in jazz, funk, R&B. I am known for my alto saxophone playing.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the demand for music will always be strong. Sure, tastes/genres will come and go, but the demand will likely be there. The onus is on the musicians to strike a balance between playing music that enriches their soul and is also commercially viable.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@isaacedwardsmusic.com
- Website: isaacedwardsmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacedwardsmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaacedwardsmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57H1PW9VwRvJj8FWtCuryg
Image Credits
Bradley Schweit
