Official Bio

Born and bred in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Isaac grew up in Trini's first family of music and is a "Trini to de bone." Needless to say, he "Loves his country bad." Given this musical heritage, Isaac, "Benji I" or "Mr. Benji," as he is known by his industry peers, started early in the music business. The youngest of 23 musical prodigies, Isaac was raised in the jungle of Piparo, Trinidad. He was always fascinated with drums, and ever since he was six years old and could reach the kick drum pedal, Isaac has been throwing down the most original, yet loosely syncopated beats. Shortly after learning to play drums, he spent the rest of his youthful days touring with his father's family band "The Love Circle."

Growing up in a music-rich environment, Isaac was soon drawn to producing music of his own. In his youth, he also attended many of his father's recording sessions and learned different techniques from various producers. Isaac further expanded his music studies to include other instruments such as percussion, guitar and bass. Shortly before his father passed away, he recorded his first solo track "Glorify," backed by The Love Circle. Since then, he has performed as drummer, guitarist and background vocalist for numerous other artists.

You may have heard his signature voice on Christafari's "Lion of Zion" and "My Sustenance" (Gravity), The Love Circle's "Homegrown" effort and on the "Raggamuffin Hip Hop 2" and "Gathering" Compilations. "In Your Eyes," the debut solo album from vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Isaac Blackman, is a lyrically and musically potent introduction to an already familiar voice.

As the youngest member of the Love Circle, Isaac now offers his own unique twist on the group's trademark jamoo sound. He once told me that the greatest lesson he learned from his father, soca inventor Ras Shorty I, was one of faith. It took a lot of faith to see this album come to fruition. This Caribbean recording is a labor of love, packed with originally syncopated, yet loosely played live beats and tight programming. It is a wall of sound, with brash calypso guitars, heavy bass, rich vocal textures and lush harmonies that are drenched in reverb.

The majority of this project was recorded at Isaac's own Jamoo Recording Studio in Tunapuna, Trinidad, W.I. and the rest was done alongside Sherwin Gardner at "God's House of Flows." As a studio musician, engineer, producer and songwriter, Isaac used the tremendous experience gained from working in the past with artists such as Ras Shorty I, Sheldon Blackman and the Love Circle, Mark Mohr, Sean Daniel, Ceon Dindial, Koen Duncan and Johnny Bachew to help make this album what it is. Since becoming the front man for the Love Circle in spring of 2004, Isaac has been on a relentless schedule of recording and performing his own unique brand of jamoo. This album is the fruit of his sleepless nights and a lifetime of songwriting. Whether he is singing soca, reggae, hip hop, or calypso, every one of Isaac's tunes and collaborations has their own unique signature-- His recordings are 100% Jamoo (Jehovah's Music) at its best!

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

GR: Before we get started, is there anything that you want to talk about?

IB: Yes, Jehovah's Music--Jamoo! Twenty-five Years ago my father came to Christ, change his life and went from being a soca superstar to starting his own family band. Over the years we have shared this music throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world. It is my mission as the youngest in the family to continue his legacy.

GR: Tell us about yourself as a child, what your family is like, etc...

IB: I really had a beautiful childhood growing up. The first memory that I have is playing in concert before of thousands of people! I was brought up different from your average kid. By the time I reached six years old I already had the experience of a 16 year old! I was raised in the arts and on the Word. I lived in a godly home, where I really understood the principles of righteous. This helped to stabilize my character and define who I am today.

GR: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Father growing up that you still apply today?

IB: There are so many... I guess that I am called to be a light in this World-- to stand for righteousness. I have a responsibility to the people that listen to my works... and everything that I say and do must represent God's light and truth.

GR: If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would it be?

IB: Hmm... there are a few -- U2; I grew up listening to them, Sting; I love his music, more recently, Alicia Keys. I also really liked DC Talk growing up and would love to share the stage with them. And Bob Marley if he was alive.

GR: I know that you have written a whole heap of songs in the past, but what's your favorite one? Now, if that is too hard for you to answer, then tell me this; if you spent 5 minutes with an old friend and only had enough time to play them one of your songs on CD, which one would you play them?

IB: I wouldn't play it for them on CD, I would sing it for them. It would probably be "Spiritual Elevation," I really like that song. But it's hard to answer that question because I appreciate all of my songs in a different ways.

GR: What were the last 5 CDs that you put in your disc changer?

IB: Koen Duncan, Floetry, Jill Scott, Avion Blackman and Eldon Blackman, just to call a few.

GR: What's your favorite verse in the Bible and why?

IB: Definitely Psalm 139 verse 14, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God," I sing about this in my song "Always Remember."

GR: I love that song! What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?

IB: I really look up to Solomon. I love reading his Proverbs. Even though in the end of his life he showed himself as an imperfect man, the love fact that the one thing that he asked God for was wisdom. This fuels my everyday life. The Bible says to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Solomon's life shows that this verse is true.

GR: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with a watered down, or ambiguous message?

IB: God judges the intent of man's heart and different people have different methods of sharing the light. I wouldn't judge, but would prove all things and hold on tight to what is good and righteous

GR: As Christians, God is of course our true inspiration, but beyond the generic response of "Jesus," what are your muses in your life (for lack of a better word)? For example, what are the people, places, or things that trigger a fresh musical idea and ultimately a new song for you?

IB: Just give me five minutes of silence and the music will start playing loud in heart.

GR: What career goal did you abandon for music?

IB: I was a jeweler, making bamboo necklaces, but always found myself leaving the workshop for the studio, and eventually I left the workshop for good, and it paid off in a big way. That was one of the best career decisions that I have ever made.

GR: Name one thing that fans do not know about you.

IB: Plenty... but if I name it they would know it now!

GR: Name something personal that gives you great satisfaction.

IB: My heart, my music and my family

GR: What has been your lowest moment so far in life?

IB: After I lost my father in the year 2000

GR: What is the best audience that you have ever played in front of?

IB: Many, but I really enjoyed playing at a place called Momo's in Piccadilly Square in England.

GR: What country would you tour (even if you didn't get paid to perform)?

IB: Egypt

GR: What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?

IB: I focus and pray. I ask God to use me as an instrument of light. I pray that God would open the hearts and minds of the people so that they can receive what I want to share with them.

GR: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

IB: Yes, that I am the leader of my family band, the Love Circle and that I am honored to have my mother here with me in this group. And that I am currently in the kitchen cooking up fat beats and tough music--so brace yourself!

Ministry

My mission is to use the power of music to proclaim the message of -- first to my community and country and then to the rest of the world. I want to revolutionize the music industry through the music of Trinidad and Tobago, which is Soca and Jamoo, as invented by my father, Ras Shorty, I and to give the youths of today a powerful alternative for today's mainstream music.

Discography

Isaac Blackman, "In Your Eyes"
The Love Circle, "Home Grown"
Various Artists, "The Gathering - Trinidad & Tobago"
The Love Circle, "Jamoo Victory"
The Love Circle, "Children of The Jamoo Journey"
The Love Circle, "Watch Out My Children"

Other Albums Featuring Isaac Include:

Eldon Blackman, "Spirit of Love"
Sherwin Gardner, "Who I Am"
Ceon Dinidal, "Expression of Worship"
Various Artists, "Raggamuffin Hip Hop 2"
Christafari, "Gravity"
Sheldon Blackman, "Remember Me"
Mark Mohr and Christafari, "Gravitational Dub"

		Isaac Blackman To The Ceiling				Isaac Blackman In Your Eyes

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

For Booking Requests Please Contact:

POSITIVE MUSIC AGENCY
Kevin McIntyre (President)
USA: (512) 535-7642
UK: +44 (0)161-870-6651
BRAZIL: +55 62-3293-4477
Fax (toll-free): +1 866 802 4188
E-mail: Kevin@pmareggae.com
http://www.positivemusicagency.com
Positive Music Agency
1942 259th Place
Lomita, CA, 90717, USA

Official EMail:

isaacblackman@yahoo.com

Official Website:

http://www.jamooconnection.com

Chat with this artist or their fans in the official Isaac Blackman forum

Photos