Search - Ernie Isley :: High Wire

Ernie Isley's "High Wire" a Class Act!

JAMES MCCORMICK | cedar rapids, Iowa United States | 10/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"4 stars = CLASSIC



Guitarist Ernie Isley was the youngest of the Isley Brothers; yes the 60's & 70's R&B outfit. He grew up in their shadow & started playing guitar with them at a young age, mid teens, but before he did that, Jimi Hendrix played with them in the mid 60's, & spent much time at young Ernie Isley's house. Hendrix was Ernie's mentor, (you couldn't ask for a better one) & young Ernie picked up many clues from Jimi by jamming with him, & became a very, very, accomplished guitarist.



Fast forward now to 1989, & Ernie's solo debut, "High Wire," a funky, bluesy guitar opus that really shows off Isley to be one of the best guitarist in the world. Here he demonstrates total control of his craft, with lighting runs, expert phrasing, gorgeous sustain, & one hell of a tone. "High Wire" is not a very heavy album by any means (think Eric Johnson in terms of heaviness), but there is no doubt Ernie rocks, & on some songs like "Rising from the Ashes" his song craft is pure melodic bliss, as his vocals & guitar just soar in a magnificent display of talent. No doubt, one that listens to this album will hear his mentor Hendrix in his playing, but also an inescapable funky rhythm, acquired from his days with his brothers, Isley. If I had to compare this album with others I would be hard pressed to give a comparison, but people who like SRV, Trower, Bolin, Johnson, & a healthy dose of R&B will find much to like about "High Wire." People looking for shred or anything heavy will probably not like "Hire Wire," but then again variety is the spice of life, & "High Wire" does have spice!

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"ERNIE LEARNED FROM JIMI"

B. VINES | SHREVEPORT, LA. | 08/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I HAVE HAD "HIGH WIRE" FROM ERNIE ISLEY ON CASSETTE ONCE AND CD TWICE. I HAD SOLD BOTH COPIES OF MY CD'S TO FRIENDS WHO HEARD IT & HAD TO HAVE IT. THIS CD HAS IT ALL: ROCK, FUNK, SOUL, BLUES. VERY DIVERSE. LAST THURSDAY (AUGUST 5) I WENT TO SEE THE ISLEY BROS. IN CONCERT IN SHREVEPORT, LA. WHAT I DID NOT KNOW WAS THAT RONALD ISLEY HAD A STROKE AND WOULD NOT BE THERE. SO, THE AUDITORIUM GOT A CHANCE FOR A ERNIE ISLEY CONCERT. HE WAS GREAT!! (FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW, JIMI HENDRIX LIVED WITH THE ISLEY BROS. FOR A WHILE IN THE EARLY 60'S, AND A 12 YEAR OLD ERNIE WOULD LEARN FROM THE MAN).ANYWAY, ENOUGH OF MY YAPPING, IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE ISLEY BROS. OR GREAT BLUES/FUNK/ROCK GUITAR, CHECK "HIGH WIRE" FROM ERNIE ISLEY."

Wish Ernie Would Record Again Solo

James A. Dean | Arlington, TX United States | 08/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ernie does a nice job on this cd. According to the liner notes, he plays most of the other instruments, too. He obviously branches out a little in terms of different playing styles on this solo effort because he isn't under the musical style constraints of the Isley's, but their influence is definitely felt. Sounds a lot like the "Go For Your Guns" era Isley's with a little bit of Living Colour added. If you enjoy Ernie's playing with the band, I'd highly recommend his solo effort."