Vernon Reid discusses underrated guitarists | Guitar World

In a recent conversation with Guitar World, Vernon Reid expressed his admiration for Ernie Isley, an often overlooked guitarist who, in Reid’s opinion, is a true successor to the legendary Jimi Hendrix. According to Reid, Isley’s unique style and influence have been largely ignored by the guitar press, despite his significant contributions to music.

Reid’s praise for Isley extends beyond just his technical skill on the guitar. He believes that Isley’s ability to keep the “Hendrix voice” alive on commercially successful records, such as The Isley Brothers’ hits, is a testament to his talent. Reid points out that Isley’s impact goes beyond just being a skilled musician – he played a crucial role in transitioning The Isley Brothers from their earlier sound to a more contemporary, funk-rock style.

During a conversation with Billy Corgan on the Magnificent Others podcast, Reid delved deeper into Isley’s legacy and the injustice he faced in the music industry. He noted that Isley was largely ignored by critics and publications at the height of his career, despite his undeniable talent and influence. Reid believes that Isley’s contributions to music deserve more recognition and that he should have been featured more prominently in music publications.

Reid also mentioned the importance of acknowledging other guitarists from the same era, such as Rory Gallagher and Jan Akkerman, whom he admires. However, he emphasized that Isley’s impact on music, particularly on The Isley Brothers’ sound, cannot be understated. Isley’s decision to re-record “That Lady” as a funk-rock masterpiece is highlighted as a pivotal moment in the band’s career, showcasing Isley’s innovative approach to music and his ability to evolve with the changing times.

In his previous Guitar World interview, Reid specifically praised Isley’s wild space fuzz solo on the 1973 rework of “That Lady” as one of his favorite guitar solos from the 70s. He expressed frustration at the lack of recognition Isley receives as a direct tonal descendant of Hendrix, stating that this oversight continues to persist in the music industry to this day.

Overall, Vernon Reid’s admiration for Ernie Isley serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating talented artists who may have been overlooked or marginalized in the past. Isley’s impact on music, his innovative approach to guitar playing, and his role in shaping the sound of The Isley Brothers are all deserving of greater attention and appreciation within the music community.