Isaac Agyeman
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | SELF
Music
Press
Thin air and stiff competition didn’t stop Isaac Agyeman (’02) from performing his best and taking top prizes at one of the Christian music industry’s most important contests.
Agyeman was one of 1,200 aspiring artists and songwriters from 48 states and several foreign countries who entered the Gospel Music Association’s 2003 national contest for undiscovered musical talent at the Seminar in the Rockies. The seminar is sponsored by the GMA, a 4,500-member organization that produces the Dove Awards, the Christian music equivalent to the Grammy Awards.
The seminar, held in Estes Park, Colorado every year, is Christian music’s “most vital retreat time each year for professional, spiritual and artistic development for both professionals and industry hopefuls,” said John. W. Styll, president of the GMA. “We’ve been fortunate to find some great artists during these competitions in the past. Stacie Orrico, Jars of Clay and Nichole Nordeman are a few of the artists who found the spotlight through this event. Perhaps some of these talented winners will join them as future successes in Christian music.”
The GMA represents all styles of gospel music, including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise and worship, southern gospel, country, and children’s gospel music.
The annual competition is divided into three categories: Spotlight Vocal, Spotlight Instrumental, and Song. Grand prizes are named in each division along with first, second and third place winners. Agyeman won the first and grand prize awards in the Spotlight Instrumental categories.
Judges gave Agyeman, a saxophonist, nearly perfect scores as he moved to each round of the competition, as well as constructive criticism.
As a grand prize winner, Agyeman received a prize package that included musical equipment, a consultation with an entertainment lawyer, free CDs and magazines and free recording studio time in Nashville, Tenn. – the capital of Christian music. The total package was worth thousands of dollars.
The first reward Agyeman received after winning the contest was to perform as the opening act at the seminar’s final concert that featured Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Joy Williams and Fernando Ortega.
- NCU Magazine
KILLER SAX
THE SAX IS KILLER!! the band altogether is perfect! I loved the song. very powerful mixes. I could listen to it all night.
- Trayne, Houston, Texas, June 15th, 2006
Yes Isaac!!
You are such an amazing and inspirational player. Seeing you play live is incredible. You are truly blessed.
- Esteban Carvallo, 25/06/2006 7:51 PM
Review of "The Road"
Silky Smooth. Nice morning-like intro. Man this is smooth. Fretless and sax and piano all go well together. Great arrangement, man and great production. I really enjoy this.
- Cecilia, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 26th, 2006 - Garage Band
Isaac shows a mature and cognitive ability in understanding his own personal style of music and the need to continuing his development. His enthusiasm and detail to accuracy during performances is typically demonstrated in veteran players, is truly inspiring.
Upon his performance during the 2004 Shai Awards (formerly known as Vibe Awards), Isaac impressed and brought the crowd of 2,800 to its feet, with his strong mature melodic tones and performance. Apart from his strong performance talent and ability, his stage presence is easy, comfortable electrifying and natural to watch.
I do not hesitate in the least to suggest that Isaac Agyeman, will not only become one of Canada’s future leading Sax players, but his impact will go far beyond our country.
Dionne Smith
President / CEO
- Vibe Awards
Discography
"Here" (2002)
"I'm On My Way" (2004)
- Includes hit title track "I'm On My Way" currently playing on WAVE 94.7 in Ontario, Canada.
- Includes "If You Need A Friend" featuring saxophone duet with Rendevous Recording Artist, Kirk Whalum.
- Includes the hit song "The Road", which is currently featured on garageband.com.
Photos
Bio
Fun-loving, charming and dynamic, Isaac Agyeman is a true entertainer with a charismatic energy that is second to none. His sizzling performances have delighted audiences at jazz festivals, corporate events, churches, NBA games, CFL games and numerous music concerts. Steeped in gospel, jazz and classical music as a youth, Isaac cultivated his foundational training at Unionville High School in Markham, ON as a graduate of their Arts York Program. His extraordinary talent received national recognition when his debut project, "Here" (2002) was nominated for "Jazz and Blues Album of the Year" by the 2004 Vibe Awards. His unforgettable live performance at the awards show in Toronto (which aired on CTS, PRIME, and GLOBAL Television) introduced him to audiences as a standout saxophonist with a vibrant performance, which rendered to him the only standing ovation of the entire night!
From 2004-2005, Isaac toured with Juno Award winning producer, songwriter and keyboardist, Eddie Bullen, and renowned jazz, soul and blues Canadian icon, Liberty Silver playing numerous jazz festivals and concerts across Ontario. Isaac's second album, entitled "I'm On My Way" (2005), featured a saxophone duet with Kirk Whalum and the impressive title track has proven a hit with smooth jazz listeners who regularly request his songs on the premier jazz station, Wave 94.7 FM in Toronto. Isaac recently completed his Master of Music degree with a professional concentration in Jazz Studies at California State University, Long Beach, where he studied under Eric Marienthal (Peak Records). While he was completing his thesis, Isaac played saxophone and flute in Malcolm-Jamal Warner's one man show: "Love and Other Social Issues" for 6 weeks and performed as a solo artist at the Oakville Jazz festival and Waterloo Jazz Festival. Isaac has also preformed as a guest musician on the Wave’s Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch at Spagehittini’s in Seal Beach, California, and joined recording artist Warren Hill (Narada) for a concert at the Hyatt’s Newport Summer Jazz Series. Isaac’s rendition of the Canadian National Anthem has also proven to be a hit with listeners, as he was recently invited to perform his version for the Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court Beverley McLachlin and requested by the Canadian Consulate to perform the National Anthem at a private Oscar party for the Canadian nominees in Los Angeles. Currently, Isaac is recording his third CD which will be released in the spring of 2013.
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