Island of Black and White
El Dorado Hills, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2004
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"If you are already sick of the cold and want to feel as if you’ve stumbled into a magic portal of summer love, look no further than Island of Black & White. This incredibly talented local act will blow your mind oh-so-gently with the smooth rhythms of Nawal Alwareeth and Chris Haislet’s angel-kissed booming vocals. This funky, folky, soulful, acoustic blues duo breaks my heart in the best way every time....from the vast spacious pool of radical rhythms and melodic miracles that make up the Sacramento music scene." - Rob Brundage - Rob Brundage
“a lifetime of stories crammed into a couple years of experience create the perfect formula that makes up the Caribbean-drenched, edgy and folky sounds of Island of Black and White, El Dorado Hills’ own slice of pure musical originality.” - Andy Laughlin
"If you’re watching Island of Black and White and catch yourself smiling uncontrollably during the band’s set, not to worry—this is precisely the reaction its members want." - Aaron Carnes
"A carribbean-drenched fusion of funk, reggae, rock, folk and blues, IBW emerged from the foothills of El Dorado County in 2004.... As solid contributors to the local music scene in and around Sacramento for nearly a decade, Island of Black and White has established itself as a soulful, musical powerhouse. Having played for the heaving crowd of thousands... their music has gained a substantial and loyal following." -Lovelle Harris, Submerge Mag - Lovelle Harris
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Founded in the foothills of El Dorado... Their music is a sweet, humble yet raw blend of acoustic rock, funky reggae, and soulful blues. It is a mixture like no other. The trio, sometimes quartet, exerts high energy performances while frequenting local and out of town venues, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, music festivals and various events. The unique sound of Island of Black and White today captures the attention of those young and old: with multi-instrumentalist on guitar, keyboard, accordion, melodica, flute and vocals, Nawal Alwareeth on drums and vocals, accompanied by Tim Picchi on lead guitar and Rebecca Sleeth on bass. It is apparent for anyone watching, that the band shares an immense love for music. Not only does the band enjoy playing, but their incredible performances engage all who listen; and the energy is shared with the entire crowd.
Cities Visited Previously:
Folsom, CA/ Coloma, CA/ Sacramento, CA/ Placerville, CA/ Tahoe, CA/ Truckee, CA/ Chico, CA/ Humboldt, CA/ San Francisco, CA/ Pescadero, CA/ Occidental, CA/ Santa Cruz, CA/ Monterey, CA/ Los Angeles, CA/ Dana Point, CA/ New Port, CA/ San Luis Obispo, CA/ Portland, OR/ Bend, OR/ Ashland, OR/ Las Vegas, NV/ Flagstaff, AZ/ Albuquerque, NM/ Corrales, NM/ Santa Fe, NM/ Austin, TX/
“Every once in a while a band transcends time because they redefine music and remain relevant throughout the generations. The Island of Black and White (IBW), a Sacramento rock/reggae/funk/folk/blues band, is on their way - destined for greatness. Chris Haislet (vocals, guitar, keyboard, flute, accordion, talk box, melodica . . . etc.) and Nawal Al Wareeth (drums) have such raw sincerity and technical expertise that you must submit to the moment and let their music run through your veins. IBW keeps their fans coming back for more with their improvisational solos and poetic originals. With lyrics like, "We are stronger than we know" and "We must hold on," IBW writes about embracing life and empowers its audience to "Rise above." Do not hesitate to watch this band perform live . . . it will be like hearing The Beatles for the first time.” –Matthew Jaoudi, 2012
"If you are already sick of the cold and want to feel as if you've stumbled into a magic portal of summer love, look no further than Island of Black & White. This incredibly talented local act will blow your mind oh-so-gently with the smooth rhythms of Nawal Alwareeth and Chris Haislet's angel-kissed booming vocals. This funky, folky, soulful, acoustic blues duo breaks my heart in the best way every time.." -Rob Brundage, Sacramento365.com 2013
Islandofblackandwhite.com
Booking info: islandofblackandwhite@gmail.com
Band Members
Links
