Izzy & Chris were united at an open stage in the summer of 2006. The duo performed a few songs together and got a standing ovation from the crowd. From that moment forward, it was evident the chemistry, the love of the blues, and playing from the heart, will keep the two together "Preachin The Blues" for many years to come. Only a few weeks after meeting they were main stage performers at the 2006 West Virginia Blues Festival.
Izzy, born in Weirton, West Virginia, began playing guitar at the age of nine. At the age of 17 while visiting New Orleans LA everything changed for Izzy when he purchased a Robert Johnson album at a flea market off of Bourbon Street. Since that moment Izzy has dedicated his life and music to the blues.
Chris, born in St. Louis, Missouri, began playing piano at the age of seven. It was not until later in life he began playing harmonica. After playing open stages for a couple of years, Chris got a break. He became the harmonica player for the late, great Pittsburgh guitarist "Smokin' Joe" Bisgella. After Joe's death in 2002, Chris committed himself to playing music.
Izzy's journey with the blues continued as he played countless blues clubs and bars from Pittsburgh to Memphis, and throughout the Southeast. Highlighting this point in Izzy's journey was winning best solo acoustic act at the Western Pennsylvania Blues Society Competition in 2006 and then becoming a finalist at the International Blues Competition held in Memphis.
Although Chris' first love is the blues, it's his ability to play many styles of music that's made him the hardest working harmonica player in the Pittsburgh area. Past endeavors include performing with harmonica legend Greg "Fingers" Taylor and playing full time harmonica for two successful local bands, the honky tonk band 706 Union and Ms. Fredi and the Blue Faze Band. Chris is also an official endorser for Seydel Harmonicas
In May of 2007, Izzy & Chris signed a recording contract with 80/20 Music Entertainment and have finished recording their first release together titled "Preachin The Blues...Vol 1" at Grammy Award winning studio Audible Images. Since signing with 80/20 Entertainment, Izzy & Chris have been main stage performers at numerous major festivals and also have been the supporting act for such legends as Buckwheat Zydeco, Watermelon Slim, Keb' Mo, The Robert Cray Band, The Gibson Brothers, Dale Watson, Shemeika Copeland, Sonny Landreth, Hubert Sumlin & The Nighthawks, The Hackensaw Boys, Charlie Musslewhite, Indigenous, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, Eddie Money, The Outlaws and Robin Trower.
Izzy & Chris have been winning over many fans with their AMAZING live performances. They most recently won over the West Virginia Blues Society judges taking first place honors among the solo/duo acts at the Appalachian Blues Competition in Charleston WV which earned them a spot in the 2008 International Blues Competition in Memphis TN.
Festival Appearances
Kalamazoo Blues Festival, MI
Heritage Music Blues Festival, WV
Floyd Fest, VA
Common Ground Festival, MI
Foot Hills Blues Festival, OH
Big Bend Blues Festival, OH
Gahana Blues and Jazz Festival, OH
Soul Of The Blues Festival, NY
Carnegie Blues Festival, PA
Blues Brews and Barbeque Festival, WV
Rhythm, Blues and All That Jazz Festival, WV
Marietta Brewery Music Festival, OH
Blues and Shoes Festival, WV
Ribs Rhythm and Blues Festival, OH
Charlie West Blues Festival, WV
Canal Winchester Blues Festival, OH
Update:
Izzy and Chris are have been nominated for a 2009 United States Artists Fellowship.
Blues Revue Magazine has selected the Izzy and Chis' cd Preachin' The Blues Vol 1 as one of the best new releases. Their song Steady Rollin' Daddy will be included on the Oct 2009 Blues Revue sampler cd which is sent to all their subscribers.
Preachin' The Blues Vol 1 #17 on the July Roots Music Blues Chart
Aug 9 -15 Izzy and Chris featured on the Blues Deluxe Radio program which is broadcast to 113 stations worldwide.
Recent News:
Oct 2, 2010 Izzy and Chris win the solo/duo division of the Appalachian Blues Contest. They will represent the West Virginia Blues Society at the 2011 International Blues Competition held in Memphis TN.
