Resonance
Pompano Beach, Florida, United States | SELF
Music
Press
September 15, 2011|By Beth Feinstein-Bartl, Correspondent
When Michael Isla met his wife, Rachel, he knew she'd be his soul mate. He soon realized that he found a lead vocalist, too.
"From the first time I heard her sing, I thought this is who I want to create music with," said Isla, a classically trained guitarist who performs with his wife as part of a newly formed trio, Resonance.
The couple, Ohio transplants living in Pompano Beach, launched the group this winter with Eduardo Lis, a Miami percussionist they met through a Craigslist ad. A debut disc, "Polarity," dropped in August highlights their signature sound of worldly beats and deeply emotional storytelling.
Isla realized he was extra lucky in the love department after his then-fiancee was singing while doing laundry, misdialed his number on her cell phone and left an accidental voice mail.
"What I heard was amazing," Isla said.
Walking down the aisle was easy. Convincing her to get onstage took a while, however. It was two years of dating and seven years of marriage before Rachel Isla would commit to being a frontwoman.
The pair did a few gigs around the Buckeye State, mostly in Cleveland. But they pursued different career paths after moving to South Florida in 2009. Michael Isla, who holds a masters degree in classical guitar performance from Ohio's University of Akron, concentrated on solo gigs and teaching. Rachel Isla worked as a neo-natal intensive care unit nurse.
Finally, Isla issued an ultimatum. "We could either start a band, or I will do it on my own with another singer," he said. "She didn't like that."
With Resonance, the Islas found the perfect blend with Lis, who has a masters in ethnomusicology from York University in Toronto, Canada. The alliance has resulted in an eclectic fusion of melodies that incorporate threads of Spanish flamenco, Middle Eastern, Americana and good old fashioned rock n' roll.
"We're all on the same wave length," said Isla. "We have something unique and powerful."
Resonance also gives Isla the best of both worlds -- the opportunity to combine his lifelong love of music with the love of his life and their 3-year-old daughter, Julia.
"I always wanted to be a working, touring musician and [Rachel] knew that," he said. "I wasn't going to do it without her.
She makes my music come alive."
Resonance's next appearance is Sept. 23 at Your Big Picture Cafe, 4900 S. University Drive, Davie. For more information call 954-252-5644, or check out facebook.com/pages/Your-Big-Picture-Cafe/196711961742
For more on the band go to reverbnation.com/resonancemusicgroup and youtube.com/resonancemusicgroup - The Sun Sentinel
I meant to arrive before they took the stage, but ended up showing up 20 minutes or so into their first set thanks to my three year olds sudden interest in where I was going. How he manages to ask 36 renditions of the same question never ceases to amaze me. But what amazed me even more was walking into Rachel Isla's flawless rendition of Christina Perri's Jar of Hearts.
A crooner with strong pipes and incredible control, Rachel owned that song letting me know right away that I was in for an exciting musical experience. I walked into Stage 84 feeling a bit underdressed for the occassion in my t-shirt and shorts, as Resonance seems to attract a beautiful and sophisticated group of wine sippers in the 30-40+ age range. Underdressed, but not out of place as it was clear I shared a common interest with everyone in attendance; quality spirits and great music.
Michael Isla's extraordinary, high-energy guitar playing was a great contrast to Rachels smooth vocals. A master guitarist, Michael comandeered the stage, capturing everyones attention with a solo that made me forget I was sitting in a little bar in Davie Florida. He took us all on a musical magic carpet ride with an unforgettable performance that blended classical with rock and spanish guitar styles seemlessly and effortlessly.
The percussion of Eduardo Lis tied it all together with tight, syncopated cajon drum rythms injecting sonic jazzy soul into my freshly q-tipped ears. Ed's rhythmic patterns coupled with the great chemistry and talent shared between Michal and Rachel made for an explosively delicious concoction of both popular and original songs expressed with a fresh sound that will forever resonate in my minds ear.
BTW. Their cover of Tool's "Sober" will blow you away!
- RICH ROX: Rock & Soul Mind Control - The Broward Underground Music Syndicate
Discography
2011 Polarity
Photos
Bio
Resonance is one of South Florida's most exciting bands. The newly formed trio, consisting of Rachel Isla (vocals), Ed Lis (percussion) and Michael Isla (guitar), take listeners on a journey through unique arrangements of popular songs and original music. This power trio is truly world class and will guarantee you a one of kind experience with our concerts. Our style ranges from classically influenced guitar playing to latin rhythms to straight rock and roll vocal power. Check us out, book us, support us and we will take you for an amazing ride!
Individual Bio's
Rachel Isla has been training for music her whole life. Although, her training wouldn't be called traditional it certainly shaped her as the vocal powerhouse she is today. As a young girl she loved to sing and her Grandmother noticed her passion and had her sing show tunes and church hymns. She formed her first musical ensemble as her Grandmother played organ and she sang. Even as a child she would record her songs. As she grew a series of accidents led her to her musical destiny. The first was in high school she accidentally sang in from of her Lt. Colonel who then recruited her to sing for the Military Ball. The second when her phone accidentally called her then boyfriend (Michael Isla) while she was doing laundry. Her voice penetrated his soul and now they have been writing music and performing since 2004
Michael Isla is a veteran performer and master guitarist. He has performed with symphonies, rock bands and various ensembles since he was a child. He has a bachelors and masters degrees in classical guitar performance but has loved performing different styles since he was a child. His is currently a DR Strings endorsed artist and Simpson Guitar Artist. Michael brings an unusual element to the group through his energetic acoustic playing and song writing.
Eduardo Lis was born in Argentina, where he graduated from the National Conservatory of Music. He played classical percussion and jazz in Buenos Aires and in 1998 he moved to Toronto, Canada. There he graduated with a Masters in Ethnomusicology form York University. He continued performing as a drummer and percussionist, specializing in Brazilian, jazz and Latin music. He formed and recorded a CD with Aconcagua and later the Latino Jazz Project. He composed most tracks on his CD Tornado Magico performing at the Festival International du Jazz de Montreal, Toronto Jazz Festival, and many other festivals and venues. His song 11 Songo Blues has been recorded by two other jazz and blues artists. He moved to Miami, Florida in 2006, where he works as a teacher and free-lances on drums and percussion. He currently performs with Michael and Rachel Isla's group Resonance.
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