This Episode Features Part Two of a Conversation with Iconic Songwriter/Producer, Chris Jasper, most known for his work with the legendary Isley Brothers.
Any serious list of highly influential keyboardists in the soul/pop/funk field would have to include the Isley Brothers' Chris Jasper. Jasper can be heard laying down adept acoustic piano, organ, funky clavinet, and Moog/Arp synthesizer lines on such seminal '70s hits as "Who's That Lady," "Fight the Power," "For the Love of You" (covered by Whitney Houston on her multi-platinum Whitney album), and "Who Loves You Better" over a catalog that includes 11 gold and four platinum albums.
In January 1992, Jasper, along with the rest of the Isley Brothers, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. At an early age, Jasper began tickling the ivories. At age eight, his mother encouraged him to take piano lessons after she heard him play Motown tunes by ear. After high school, he went to study to study at Julliard. The Isley Brothers and Jasper grew up on the same block in their native Cincinnati. In 1959, the group scored their first big hit, "Shout," later covered by the Beatles, and moved to New York. More hits followed, including "Twist and Shout" and "This Ol' Heart of Mine" on Motown.
There has been a flood of Isley Brothers covers. The lion's share of which is done by rappers. Hip-hop has been good to Jasper's song catalog. Rapper/Sony artist Da Brat had a Top Five Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Funkadafied," which includes a sample from the Isleys' "Between the Sheets" (from the album of the same name). Ice Cube used "Footsteps in ihe Dark" (from Go for Your Guns) as the basis for his hit "It's been a Good Day." Hornman Gene Dunlap covered "Groove With You" (from Showdown). R. Kelly (whose productions carry Jasper-influenced lead line and patches) produced a hit cover of "At Your Best You Are Love" (from Harvest for the World) by singer Aaliyah.
Visit Chris @ https://goldcityrecords.com/
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