Colorado-based musician Gregory Alan Isakov has a devoted and passionate listenership. The first sign I saw revealing the dedication fans have for this artist was seeing the merch lines at Red Rocks stretch up and down and around the stone steps. The line moved swiftly and many were purchasing the custom Red Rocks poster commemorating the two beautiful sold-out September nights.
The 9.2.2024 Red Rocks performance opened with the lyrically rich Southern Star just as darkness laid a blanket over the iconic venue. The emotional and enthralling set list weaved a beautiful cadence – one minute evoking melancholy and notes of sorrow and then the sparks of hope and joy.
During San Luis it was as if Gregory Alan Isakov read a poem on a river of melodies. Isakov’s voice flows effortlessly with grit and grace. The audience drank in the night like fine wine.
With Isakov at the heart center of the stage, his talented band encircled him with the stand-up bass, violinist, drums, keys and more. The band of multi-instrumentalists brought energy to performance. The depth of camaraderie seems to run deep.
The talented frontman introduced the Big Black Car with stories of how TikTok breathed new life into the song and he sounded a little bewildered by the process before launching into these lyrics. The song has been streamed millions and millions of times!
You were a phonograph, I was a kid
I sat with an ear close, just listening
I was there when the rain tapped her way down your face
You were a miracle…I was just holdin’ your space
While Isakov admitted talking onstage isn’t his favorite, his heart of gratitude was evident. It was sweet to hear his appreciation for playing in his home state. He acknowledged there could be teachers, dentists and ex-girlfriends in the audience.
A friend from Wisconsin bought tickets for this show back in October of 2023. She coordinated her whole family to share the night. It was her college-aged son’s first visit to Red Rocks. She said the night was awe-inspiring and witnessing her son’s reaction to the space and acoustics as well as the talent emanating from the stage made it one of her favorite concerts ever. When she was in high school she used to journal lyrics from a variety of artists so her appreciation for the power of lyrics runs deep.
The show had multi-generational appeal and I met guests from age 8 months (with cute hearing protection) to 88. The family-friendly vibe was omnipresent. The security staff I talked to verified what I felt – this is one of the kindest sold-out shows I have ever attended.
Passenger opened the show with musical grace. His side dish of humor was the chef’s kiss. I have added several of his songs to my Spotify favorites since witnessing the warmth and magic he brings to the stage. A Passenger and Gregory Alan Isakov duet occurred mid-way through the evening on a track titled, She Always Takes It Black.
Listen to Gregory Alan Isakov‘s latest album Appaloosa Bones and be sure to catch him on tour when he comes to your town. I recommend traveling to see a show if you can. It would definitely be well worth the trip!
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Review article and photos by Deb Schaefer
