With this edition of LincInterviews, we are joined by New Jersey based Saxophonist Howard Issacson. From his website, "Howard Isaacson is a highly accomplished saxophonist with a career spanning performances alongside legendary artists. Born and raised in Philadelphia, a city rich in musical heritage, he honed his skills, earning a Master’s degree in Performance and Education from Temple University." A recent review says, "Isaacson’s playing is a sensual experience with the notes flowing together with a smoothness that is deceptively easy to listen to…"
Howard starts by spotlighting his own career, to include his education and many years of playing in the Atlantic City music scene. He also discusses how the music scene has changed over the past 20 years in Atlantic City, and his hopes for the future of both Atlantic City and music. Howard moves on to talk about his life long work of conducting masterclasses as a music educator in both private and public settings.
He highlights his work with such artists as Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops and The Temptations. He also discusses artists who have influenced him, to include Boney James, David Sanborn, Everette Harp and Tower of Power.
Having released multiple albums of his own work, he talks about his recent hit, "Blue Skies," which has has reached number one on the Urban Influencer Smooth Jazz Chart.
With focus on his work in Atlantic City, he closes by talking about current projects and albums now in the works.
