Karli Ingersoll“Isamu Jordan had a really great big heart. All of our hearts will have to grow more to make up for the absence.” – Nick Jaina
Spokane feels heavy over the loss of an iconic human being, a joyful smile and one of the most active members of the arts community. Isamu did a lot of things for Spokane’s culture but the thing I’ve been remembering most about him was his positivity and encouragement of others. Over the years in Spokane, myself and many other musicians benefitted from Som’s writing and podcasts at the Spokesman, his show promotion, publicity from the Sommie’s and just his general unbiased encouragement. He loved all genres. If you did something unique or played music with passion, he was there to pay attention. Even after he was laid off at the Spokesman he still pushed and pushed to build up the local music scene on his own time. Continuing the Sommies, booking shows and staying as invested as possible. Most people don’t realize how much that means to nervous young musicians. Just having someone there, that isn’t your mom, to pay attention. And not only pay attention, but show up and be a real engaged fan of what you are doing. And when I listen back to some of those old podcasts that are still online in the recesses of the Spokesman’s website, I am thankful that he saw something in what we were doing, however imperfect and sloppy it was. Because it was a huge part of pressing on to grow and learn more about our craft.
I hadn’t been very connected with Som recently, but I do want to honor his legacy and share that he has inspired me in so many ways throughout the years. Knowing how much the encouragement from people like Isamu as a young musician affected me, I choose to give back and support others. His legacy will continue to inspire us and hopefully will continue to make Spokane a better place. He will be greatly missed.