Chris Jasper STILL MAKING LOVE SONGS
by reginald kearney for the urban sentinel Chris Jasper, founding member of ‘Isley-Jasper-Isley’ and lead keyboard player of ‘The Isley Brothers’, gave the Urban Sentinel magazine a closer look into his recent project. Chris who is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and who is currently living in upstate New York, with his wife of nearly four decades, Margie. Chris has just released his new project For The Love of You which includes Sam Cooke’s song ‘Nothing Can Change This Love.’ Urban Sentinel: Good morning Chris, it is truly an honor to be talking to you today. Growing up, I was a big fan of the Isley Brothers, and still am today. I was even part of a band in high school and we tried to play your songs. The only thing was, we didn’t sound as good as you guys. Before we go any further, I would like to ask, how are you and your family doing given the circumstances, as we all are dealing with the Covid-19 virus? Chris Jasper: We are doing well. We are just staying in and close to home. Urban Sentinel: Chris, please tell the readers about your time with the Isley Brothers. I was in high school when I started listing to you guys. So, I know the readers would love to hear about your time with the group. If I remember, you were the
lead guitar player if I am correct. Chris: No I was the main keyboard player, but I did play the bass and lead guitar on some songs. It was good for a while, I learned and experience a lot. I did a lot of touring, a lot of recording. It was a good working relationship between the three younger members me, Ernie and Marvin. As it was a big age difference between the younger members and the older members. We worked together doing the music, as I wrote most of the stuff, and Ernie wrote some stuff. It was a good experience for the time that we were together. Urban Sentinel: How long was the group together? Chris: We started in the early seventies, so I guess 1971-1983. From 1973- 1983 was the time when the albums were really selling a lot. Starting with the 3 Plus 3 album, Who’s That Lady, and the Between The Sheets album. Urban Sentinel: Do you stay in touch with any of the Brothers who are still living? Chris: No, I don’t talk them much, but when Marvin was still living I use to talk to him, but he passed in 2010. Urban Sentinel: What has been the key to your longevity in the music business, and what has motivated you to stay in URBAN SENTINEL MAGAZINE | JANUARY
53