Isley Jasper Isley
Isley-Jasper-Isley was a music group formed in 1984 as a splinter faction of the legendary Isley Brothers, which included members Ernie Isley (lead guitar), Marvin Isley (bass), and Chris Jasper (keyboards). This formation emerged during a pivotal time for the group and allowed its members to explore their musical identities more fully.
The group achieved significant success with their debut album "Caravan of Love," which produced chart-topping hits and showcased their unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk. This album established them firmly within the music industry, and they were recognized for their contributions to contemporary R&B and Quiet Storm genres.
Isley-Jasper-Isley remained active throughout the mid to late 1980s, disbanding in 1987 after enjoying a successful run that included both studio albums and live performances. During this time, they were credited with creating a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences and contributed to the evolution of soul music.
While Chris Jasper is often noted as the group's creative force, with a significant role in shaping their sound, he, along with his bandmates, left a lasting impact on the music industry through their innovative approaches. After the disbandment, members continued to pursue solo careers, with Ernie and Marvin Isley retaining connections to the Isley Brothers legacy while Chris Jasper delved into solo projects and collaborations.
Different Drummer
Lead Vocals – Ernie Isley
5:46
2 8th Wonder Of The World
Congas – Kevin Jones
Lead Vocals – Ernie Isley
5:33
3 Blue Rose
Lead Vocals – Ernie Isley
5:57
4 Do It Right
Congas – Kevin Jones
Lead Vocals – Chris Jasper
4:05
5 Givin' You Back The Love
Congas – Kevin Jones
Lead Vocals – Chris Jasper
5:25
6 A Once In A Lifetime Lady
Lead Vocals – Chris Jasper
4:21
7 For The Sake Of Love
Lead Vocals – Ernie Isley
5:15
8 Brother To Brother
Lead Vocals – Chris Jasper
Written-By – Deborah McDuffie
3:49
9 I Wanna Be Yours
Lead Vocals – Chris Jasper
4:30
Written by – Chris Jasper, Ernest Isley, Marvin Isley
Label: CBS Associated Records – ZK 40409
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Contemporary R&B
Isley Jasper Isley's Different Drummer (1987) is the third and final album from the splinter group, known for smooth, mellow R&B, featuring hits like "8th Wonder of the World" and "Givin' You Back the Love," showcasing Chris Jasper's keyboards/writing, Ernie Isley's guitar, and Marvin Isley's drums, but critics found the production sometimes routine compared to their prior work, though fans praised its classic soulful grooves and standout tracks like "A Ballad For The Fallen Soldier".
Released in 1987, it concluded the Isley-Jasper-Isley era before the original Isley Brothers reunited, with Jasper taking a more prominent role.
It's a contemporary R&B/Quiet Storm album, blending smooth vocals with strong keyboard and guitar work, characteristic of the trio's sound.
Reviews were mixed; while some found the production a bit standard for the era, fans appreciated its continuation of the soulful Isley sound.
Many fans love it as a solid, enjoyable album, highlighting its catchy songs, mellow vibes, and Chris Jasper's strong melodies and lyrics.
Key Tracks & Highlights:
"8th Wonder of the World" & "Givin' You Back the Love": These singles were popular, reaching the R&B Top 20, notes a Wikiwand article.
"A Ballad For The Fallen Soldier": A powerful, poignant track about war that deeply affected listeners, providing a raw, real moment on the album, according to a Facebook user.
"Rock You Good": An instrumental jam that stands out, says a Facebook user.
In summary, Different Drummer is a strong, if sometimes overlooked, entry in the Isley-Jasper-Isley catalog, offering classic smooth soul and R&B with impactful songs, even if critical reception wasn't always stellar.