Isaiah Sharkey

Guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer Isaiah Sharkey blends funk-driven intensity, jazz depth, and the emotional power of R&B into his seductive original music. Once described as a child prodigy, he is now celebrated for his versatility, his ability to find strength in simplicity, his sense of teamwork, and his natural connection with audiences.

Sharkey caught the music bug at home — his father, uncle, and aunt were all professional musicians in Chicago, and he began jamming with his siblings on acoustic guitar at the age of four. The church also played a formative role in his development: he first sang in the choir, then took up bass guitar, and later electric guitar. By the age of fourteen, he could already be found playing jazz and blues at venues across Chicago. And anyone who earns their blues stripes in Chicago can confidently step onto any stage in the world.

That confidence soon paid off. In 2014, Sharkey gained major attention as a member of D’Angelo’s band Vanguard on the album Black Messiah. He had met D’Angelo by pure chance five years earlier in a music store in Virginia. The album won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and further cemented the cult status of the late D’Angelo, whose legacy is embraced by both the R&B and jazz communities.

Sharkey has always felt at home in hip hop as well. He joined The Roots, and during one of their public jam sessions met John Mayer, who had dropped by simply to play. Just as with D’Angelo, creative sparks flew immediately, and Sharkey became a key member of Mayer’s touring band.

He also appeared alongside iconic drummer Chris Dave, whom he met during the recording of Black Messiah. Twelve years ago, the two made their first appearance at JazzFestBrno, where — together with trumpeter Keyon Harrold — they mesmerized a packed audience at the Husa na provázku Theatre. What unfolded was a guitar-driven version of the seamless fusion of jazz, gospel, hip hop, and rhythm and blues for which pianist Robert Glasper is so widely acclaimed.

Sharkey’s natural ability to cross genre boundaries has led to collaborations with Paul Simon and many other pop stars. He is among today’s most sought-after producers, and as a frontman he combines outstanding musicianship with undeniable charisma. His church background continues to inform his musical language, shaped by influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Spanky Alford, Wes Montgomery, and George Benson. Yet Sharkey’s music remains fully authentic — offering his inspirations a deep, respectful nod rather than imitation.