| The Isley Brothers are the smoothest, most accomplished, innovative, constantly relevant, forever growing R&B group of all time. These brothers personify Rhythm and Blues in every since of the word.
From "Twist and Shout" to "Between the Sheets," and even the more contemporary sounding works with R. Kelly, Ron Isley, Ernie Isley and the rest of the band, are just plain ol' dope in any time frame, and on any block.
EURweb/EUR had the chance to throw a handheld recorder up the faces of Ron and Ernie at a recent press junket. After calming ourselves, and making sure the batteries were Duracells, we proceded. We asked the brothers how they felt about being given a Lifetime Achievement Award, to be bestowed upon them at the upcoming BET Awards.
"I think this is really special and it's going on right now," said Ernie, one of the most creative R&B guitarists ever. "This is like Christmas Eve and the whole show is like Christmas Day. This is all going on in the present tense and we love it."
Though we imagine the Isleys must be ecstatic to be recognized for the years of hits they've blessed our ears with, they remain constantly active. Ronald Isley said the group is currently compiling potential hits for a new set that will be finished very soon.
"We've just started work on a new album," said Ron. "We'll be working with Pharrell, Outkast, R. Kelly and on and on and on. The album is called 'Pretty Woman' and we think its going to be really special. Everytime we make an album we try to make history, and we think this one is going to be just that."
Now signed to Def Jam, the Isleys say working with LA Reid and Kevin Liles will ensure the quality of the upcoming set and that working with such seasoned and savvy vets will only make perfection that much easier to accomplish.
"It's so a great thing for us to be working with somebody who came up knowing who the Isleys are and how we get down like LA and Kevin do," said Ron. "They know about the songwriting, about the producing and all of these things. That makes it easier and makes it more fun. I've been looking to do this for years with them. We've been trying to get together ever since Babyface and LA Reid first started out. We've been talking about one day getting together," added Ernie.
Speaking of making history, Ronald Isley and songwriter extraordinaire Burt Bacharach were in the studio for most of 2003 perfecting and mastering an album on the Dreamworks label that featured combined talents of both legendary icons. Though we've been blessed enough to hear it, most of the public has not been so blessed. So what happened?
"The bottom line with that Dreamworks was sold and now they're going to re-release that album," Ron told EURweb/EUR. "It got caught up in the whole transition of the record company being sold and so now they're repackaging everything and doing it all over again.
"We filmed a one hour special on the record and they're going to release it again. That music will be here forever. That's great music." | |
