John Isley

Originally from North Carolina, I’ve lived in New York City for the past 27 years. I’ve loved this city from the first time I set foot in it, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. It really is the center of the known universe – at least for me. I’m a musician – multi-instrumentalist, composer, studio rat – and a bit of a technology guru. I’ve spent many years honing my multi-faceted craft and even spent a couple of those teaching technology for Apple. My curiosity knows no bounds and I love the pursuit of knowledge and mastery for its own sake. Getting paid sure helps though… I am a huge fan of cold beer, good wine, great food, engaging books and stimulating conversation, and have been known to go well out of my way in pursuit of one or many of those. My current worst bad habit is golf. It’s the game that reminds me why I’m a musician and not a professional athlete. I’ve performed with a litany of well known as well as shockingly anonymous bands and musicians over the years. The highlights have been gigs with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the Allman Brothers, Levon Helm, Mary Wilson, Bernard Purdie, Reggie Workman, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and They Might Be Giants, right alongside dozens of others. It’s just as likely you’ll find me toiling away in anonymity in the pit of a Broadway show. I’ve worked on and/or toured with Movin’ Out, Hairspray, Grease, In the Heights, Hair, Memphis, The Rocky Horror Show and Five Guys Named Moe. For those who care for such things, I hold a Master’s degree in jazz performance from Queens College (part of City College, The City University of New York) and a Bachelor’s degree in jazz & contemporary music from The New School for Social Research, New York. I am proud to be a RICO Artist, a JodyJazz Mouthpieces Artist and I endorse Cannonball Saxophones. If you'd like to be throughly underwhelmed, you can read my exhaustive and complete bio on my website here: http://www.johnisley.com/my-bio-the-long-version I'm currently the saxophonist with Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, one hell of a circus ride of a band! More at www.johnisley.com