Gregory Alan Isakov at the Sisters Folk Festival, Oregon.
Every now and then, fate offers us a gift, allowing us to happen across an artist who’s music captures our being and resonates so perfectly, we wonder where they’ve been our whole lives. Akin to falling in love, their music reaches out and touches us in a way that is so excruciatingly beautiful, it connects with every fiber of our existence so flawlessly, pure perfection.
For me, that artist is Gregory Alan Isakov. First discovering his music in 2010 in a Japanese ski video – an unlikely place to unearth the mellowed sounds of such an accomplished folk performer – my heart swelled as I listened to the simplicity of his tune. From that moment forward, ‘The Stable Song” instantly became a favourite, so much so that my husband and I chose it as the song to which we would have our first dance at our wedding.
Born in Jo’burg and now calling Colorado home, we were fortunate enough to see Gregory Alan and accompanying friends perform numerous shows at the Sisters Folk Festival in Oregon, September 2012. Making the 12 hour drive from Salt Lake with the exclusive intention of seeing him play, words can’t describe how honoured we were for the experience that followed.
Opening to a silent crowd of around 200 festival goers, and accompanied by Cellist, Philip Parker and Violinist, Jeb Bows, Gregory Alan effortlessly captivated the audience with the very first sound from his guitar. “Virginia May” was delivered simply, complete with perfect harmonies.
A beautiful balladeer, Isakov exudes an unassuming and comfortable, yet humble and potentially fragile existence behind the microphone. With words of pure poetry in both song and speech, it is easy to fall in love with the man. Rolling into “Big Black Car” and the ever beautiful “Dandelion Wine”, I was perched in the 2nd row hanging on every word.
“Hope was a letter I never could send, well love was a country I couldn’t defend”
Speaking softly to the crowd between songs, Isakov shared beautiful insights into the inspiration behind his music, none more poignant than the telling behind “Evelyn”. Written about a lady who lived in the flat above his, “Evelyn” perfectly captures the essence that is this beautifully talented, thoughtful and truly special individual.
By far, the highlight of the weekend was the three times we heard the ‘The Stable Song” performed. With haunting violin, cello and faultless harmonies delivered by Bows and Parker, I cried like a baby each time. A truly emotive and sentimental piece, I’ll be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to see Gregory Alan perform it live.
What can I say. There aren’t enough words to describe just how beautiful and heartwarming Gregory Alan Isakov is both as a talented musician, and the person standing in front of me. I have laboured for months over whether to even publish this piece as the whole experience of seeing him perform live was thoroughly emotional (in a good way!) and as such, I wanted to be sure I did the beauty, honesty and gift that he embodies, justice.
Gregory Alan Isakov. You are a truly talented man and it was an absolute honour and pleasure to see and hear you play. I hope I get the opportunity to see you again somewhere, some day. Absolutely Stunning. 10 out of 10.
“All the tables nice and clean,
Evelyn’s asleep,
On the grave yard shift again,
selling gasoline”
Gregory Alan Isakov, Sisters Folk Festival, Sisters, Oregon 7th – 9th September.
Virginia May
Big Black Car
The Universe
The Stable Song
Evelyn
Red and gold
Dandelion wine
Master and the hound
That Moon Song
Salt and the sea
If I go, I goin’
crazy cat music 