Concerts

Photos of singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov in Buffalo

[Alex Lupol was on the scene with his camera at this recent gig in Buffalo NY. – AC]

Currently on the road for a 14-date Winter tour, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician Gregory Alan Isakov made a stop at Asbury Hall in Buffalo, NY on January 30th for an “evening with” the multi-hyphenated artist.

Gregory Alan Isakov

As the “evening with” title suggested, Isakov and company chose to forgo adding an opening act on this string of dates, instead, treating fans to an extended 19-song setlist that made for an evening of music that would reach well over an hour in length.

Located in the heart of Buffalo’s Theatre District, Asbury Hall—a 19th-century Gothic Revival-style church—made for an intimate venue, with its vaulted ceilings and balcony seating, for those in attendance at the sold-out performance.

Gregory Alan Isakov

 Taking to the stage alongside a backing band of multi-instrumentalists, Isakov delivered cuts from his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The GamblerThis Empty Northern HemisphereThe WeathermanEvening Machines (which was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Folk Album); and Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony—the latter of which fully showcases Isakov’s penchant to take folk music and bring it further to life with layers of lush instrumentation.

Despite the continued and growing success and recognition of his work, Isakov seems to still be adjusting toward it. During a break between songs, Isakov delivered an anecdote to the crowd that the next song (The Stable Song) seemed to always play over the speakers at his local Colorado grocery store whenever he visits. “It’s bizarre,” Isakov stated, receiving laughter from the sold-out venue.

Gregory Alan Isakov

With 2018’s Evening Machines serving as Isakov’s most recent release, he was able to receive a roar of applause upon revealing to the crowd that they could expect new music later this year.

After a quick break, Isakov and company returned for an encore. Huddled around a single microphone, the group brought the evening to a close with a trio of songs (Dandelion Wine, Saint Valentine, and All Shades of Blue), much to the delight of the Buffalo crowd. 

Setlist:

  1. Virginia May
  2. San Luis
  3. Amsterdam
  4. Berth
  5. Master & a Hound
  6. This Empty Northern Hemisphere
  7. Chemicals
  8. Liars
  9. She Always Takes It Black
  10. If I Go, I’m Goin
  11. Southern Star
  12. Dark, Dark, Dark
  13. The Stable Song
  14. Big Black Car
  15. Second Chances
  16. Caves
  17. Dandelion Wine
  18. Saint Valentine
  19. All Shades of Blue

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39550 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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