In 1999 he sought out his solo acoustic roots and moved to Colorado where he now resides. But for Isakov, he's okay with this. The Denver music scene right now is so incredible, I'm constantly seeing shows that blow me away. For their first encore, they sang Dandelion Wine and Saint Valentine. Huddled around the microphone, the band played the songs acoustically. ?The musician's new CD is called That Sea, The Gambler. Isakov's pulling out all the stops and an amazing list of artists will be joining him on the Fox stage to promote the new record. "It basically took a year and a half to record. Inspiration comes from everywhere, but the moments of reflection come being in-between moments: At the bus stations, or waiting for a train. "It was really cool to sing with Brandi Carlile," Isakov said. (Gabe Gomez) - The Santa Fe Reporter, Gregory Alan Isakov "That Sea, The Gambler"November 2008 ReviewThe Denver, Colorado music scene is ripe with young talent. But then I realized that you have to be so loud to do that, and I'm so quiet when I play, it doesn't work for me. And off stage, he's not all that different.Erin PrestonGregory Alan Isakov sets sail on the Land Yacht.Details:CD-release show, with Chris Pureka, Tiny Television and a slew of special guests, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, Fox Theatre, 1135 13th Street, Boulder, $8, 303-443-3399.Subject(s): Gregory Alan Isakov/ That Sea, the GamblerOn a peaceful Sunday afternoon in May, Isakov is kicking back in a plastic deck chair outside the Airstream trailer where he's been staying since he split with his girlfriend in February. Listen to Isakov talk about songwriting and you will find someone talking about life-theories. - Denver Post, Ricardo Baca, The New GayNovember 2008http://www.thenewgay.net/2008/11/amy-ray-new-gay-interview.htmlThe New Gay: Yes! Stream Gregory Alan Isakov music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud Gregory Alan Isakov Verified suitcase town Denver, United States All Popular tracks Tracks Albums Playlists Gregory Alan Isakov Recent Play Gregory Alan Isakov Salt And The Sea 1 year ago 5,947 4 Play Gregory Alan Isakov Chemicals 4 years ago 12K 5 Play But Isakov says he's just as awed by his fans as they are by him. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler; This Empty Northern Hemisphere; The Weatherman; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; and . The performance is not about impressing the audience. Turns out, it is about 20 feet from the road.Q: What was your childhood like growing up in Philly?A: Growing up in Philly was hard. learn more, Unified accounting and stats across all your artists, a single fulfillment interface for all your merch, direct payments on a per-release basis, and a whole lot more. The dish pointed up, looking into a star-filled sky . I think we decided we'd just rock 'em out a little bit. Never one to shy away from good music, and given the source of the information, I figured it would be well worth it to check this guy out. For years I have been trying to explain what it is that draws me toward certain singer-songwriters, but I've never been able to nail it until my friend Matt watched Gregory perform and nailed it. With a dimly lit waiting period, the crowds murmur resurrected in a ponderous curiosity as they wondered if the show would go on. To ensure only genuine musicians and bands are creating and applying to band openings. And then I'll just go back and sit down and play it out. Gregory Alan Isakov. Required fields are marked *. For Isakov, everything begins by being humble. That Sea, The Gambler' is self-released, but I have been courting a few different labels.? Theyre about the broader aquarium of things, as he says. Gregory Alan Isakov (born October 19, 1979) is a South African-born singer-songwriter currently based in Boulder, Colorado. Their violinist, Jeb Bow, brought the crowd awestruck as he played his solos throughout the evening. And as evidenced by the rooms I have seen hushed: Combine the two elements and Isakov becomes great. "A: There are a lot of "sea" songs on there. I got my degree in environmental horticulture and I did get some use out of it. Happiness was elusive. The record took an entire year, and I worked on it in between tours and whenever I possibly could. Although he'd long since outgrown his desire to toke up, his green thumb was as bright as ever. Get the Gregory Alan Isakov Setlist of the concert at Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, NY, USA on January 27, 2023 from the Winter Tour 2023 Tour and other Gregory Alan Isakov Setlists for free on setlist.fm! A horticulturist by trade, Isakov is not interested in running the city race. . Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler ; This Empty Northern Hemisphere ; The Weatherman ; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; I recently went back there this past December. These songs seemed to be a couple of the bands favorites to play, for their high energy was infectious.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nysmusic_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nysmusic_com-banner-1-0'); Waving to the crowd, Gregory and the band left once again. He is a straightforward artist delivering some of the best in simple, yet complex, music. "I was like, 'I'm never having a music lesson. 233 talking about this. Isakov and his band used those same complicated arrangements to launch a career of orchestra gigs. That way people get to hear the newer songs live. During his junior year, he spent a semester in Scotland working on a functioning farm. Whether he was staying in youth hostels, camping out or bunking with friends, Isakov supplemented the money his father had given him with what he earned busking on the streets and beaches of the Mideast. Gregory Alan Isakov is a long name. People often forget his name if they dont mispronounce it first. Your email address will not be published. Listening to the different recordings is like watching time-lapse photography of the growth process; you get the sense that Isakov was waiting for the perfect crop of songs. . When asked about his goals for this coming year, Isakov replied that he wants to finish the album that he sunk all of his money into (due out in the Spring). I remember elephants, water buffalo, zebra and ostriches. 1 Concerts . And what youre bound to hear come out of Isakovs mouth and guitar is, at times, astonishing. And, in fact, many of the tunes started on the road. He is not rich in finances, nor does he care to be. It went pretty well, I thought. Gregory Alan Isakov Fans Also Viewed . And he is a man that will surely continue watching for the seeds of life being spread by the wind, like stars across the land. Gregory Alan Isakov has been described by Boulder Weekly, "Strong, subtlea lyrical genius" and has been compared to his influences, Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Joe Phelps, Iron & Wine and Nick Drake. "We wondered if he was thinking in terms of a single we admitted that we had trouble identifying a lead single off That Sea, The Gambler. Isakov's performance showcased his upcoming album The Weatherman . "She said, 'Pretty much how I write songs is I walk around and eat poetry and experiences, and then one day, I'll throw it all up into a song.' Tickets, $8, available at the door or foxtheatre.com.Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler; This Empty Northern Hemisphere; The Weatherman; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; October 19 Singer #19. learn more. "It's an amazing honor to be able to use up someone's time with something like this," he concludes. He wears only a simple shirt, some worn pants, a beat-up pair of boots and most likely, on a given night, he smells of wood smoke. The songs are studies in restraint and richly literate narrative, the plaintive but deceptively well-hewn vocal style murmuring at times, running short of breath on the payoff line sometimes, coyly deflecting the listeners' attention, daring them to find the sparkling dime in a sunlit pool of river pebbles.Last Thursday night, Isakov's CDs were piled at the corner of the merch table at the Fox. Because while some music fans might not consider themselves fans of "folk," they still bow at the alters of Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird and Jolie Holland.And now you can add Isakov to that list.Isakov is one of those artists who experiments so much within his music that no one subgenre qualifier fits the bill exactly. People often forget his name if they don't mispronounce it first. To the contrary it is enlightening. It's kind of a magical thing. Each song came with a story, and a dose of gratitude for their origins. With a captivating voice that evokes a rootsier Glen Phillips channeling Kelly Joe Phelps, Isakov sings rich pastoral songs that conjure long walks down dusty rural roads. "The Mountain Tempo Blog & Kim's Folk Music Blog", "From South Africa to Philadelphia to Denver, Isakov Triumphs". "I was scared about moving," Isakov admits now. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist-turned-musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his five full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler ; This Empty Northern Hemisphere ; The Weatherman ; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; When asked about his future, Isakov responded by saying that he wants to live simply, in a place where he doesnt have to listen to engines on the road. He has enchanting folk melodies and unmatched band members. While the musician plans to tour pretty heavily, you can still find him at his fresh produce stand at the Boulder Farmer's Market.? Sometimes I don't know what the songs are about. Isakov and the other four members moved to the front of the stage to gather around . Chances are that the interaction would be awkward. At last, the stage lit up for the final encore. He is sitting in a chair and cradling his favorite guitar. Master and a Hound 7. Sometimes when Im playing electric stuff for awhile I like to listen to something really different from what Im doing, just to get my ears wrapped around something different. Gregory Alan Isakov will perform at The Orange Peel on Saturday, June 18 with The Ghost Orchestra, his eight-piece band including members of the Colorado Symphony and the Fort Collins Orchestra. I still listen to them a bit.Q: This CD release show is quite the event, and you're including a lot of people.A: I'm really excited about the release. "Isakov's solitude has produced some exceptional music that makes being alone an enticing rather than a lonely prospect. Gregory Alan Isakov Embodies Indie-Folk At Brooklyn Steel By kali kugler On Jan 30, 2023 On the Friday evening of January 27th, Brooklyn Steel hosted a heavenly evening with Gregory Alan Isakov. He switches arrangements on nearly every track. I used to listen to a lot of Iron & Wine, and when I saw they were on "Garden State," I thought that maybe it would change the way I feel about them. Why hasn't he made it yet? And while he employs the whole range of traditional arrangements, from banjos and other strings and simple percussion Isakovs work is predicated on that one-on-one interaction between he and his guitar. Powerful. Peering out at the audience from the stage at the Boulder Theater is Gregory Alan Isakov. Dense and sweet and dark all at the same time. "John Brown's Body" came a few songs later, almost a country-folk epic, and it occurred to us how much the CD version suggested Isakov could pick his direction at will fronting a very good, very song-sensitive alt-country band or working primarily as a solo artist. For him the music is not about him. Isakov is a simple man. And while he resists the label, Isakov is both a singer and a songwriter. Gregory Alan Isakov - The Stable Song http://themountaintempo.blogspot.com/2008/08/welcome-to-boulder-part-3-gregory-alan.html - Bodie Johnson, Most Recent: http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2008/11/gregory_alan_isakov_working_on.phpBest Singer-Songwriter -- MaleGregory Alan Isakov has a unique, endearing presence that instantly sucks people in. Gregory Alan Isakov) Isakov has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States and tours internationally with his band. And that's totally how it is. Now I'm getting ready to sing on 'etown.' Tour announcements Isakov's latest studio release "Evening . Isakov has been described by Boulder Weekly, "Strong, subtle, a lyrical genius" and has been compared to his influences; Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Joe Phelps, Iron & Wine and Gillian Welch. The property is owned and operated by none other than Gregory Alan Isakov, Varney's bandmate and Grammy-nominated folk musician. "Not really. "Old Main and Chautauqua's Community House are my favorite places to play in Boulder. He is interested in living earnestly and in the face of humility. And though he wasn't a pronounced troublemaker, he wasn't exactly an angel, either. Could you hear this in the background of Grey's Anatomy?Gregory Alan Isakov - GardenGregory Alan Isakov is in the process of finalizing an album with three songs that I could easily see on prime time television and two that with the right producer, could be on your local radio station. He spent time in Jerusalem, where he studied desert survival skills and Hebrew, and also traveled to Egypt and Dahab. ?My family is from South Africa, but I lived in Philadelphia from the time I was seven to 17, said Isakov. "I switch gears a lot," he says. Because then, without prompting or warning or human voice he will begin playing. It is immersed in everything wiser than a man double his years could produce. Follow Bebo Valds. The performance is not about impressing the audience. Rather than another would-be Jeff Buckley or Will Oldham, Isakov uses 'That Sea, The Gambler' to lay bare an elegant simplicity that's caked in dust and an utter lack of pretension. One tour that will always feel timeless is Gregory Alan Isakov. I'll be playing with my normal band - Jeb Bows on fiddle, Jon Souza on banjo, J.C Thompson on upright bass and Jen Gilleran on drums. I don't know why it's captivating people on a larger scale these days. Search all Bandcamp artists, tracks, and albums, Follow your favorite artists, keep a wishlist, get instant streaming of your purchases, showcase your collection, and explore the music of like-minded fans. "To that end, Isakov puts a lot of time and effort into his songs, cultivating them until they meet with his approval. "As a musician, you play the songs on the records so many times, so I like to play music that's fresh when we play a concert. "It was like 'the Revival,' having all those people up there. Gregorys fans are able to depend on him and the band to deliver consistent words of universal consolation and epiphanic life perspectives. "I loved playing CU's Old Main," Isakov said. (Erin Preston)in advance of the show to talk about his foreign birthplace, his Philadelphia upbringing and his inspiration for the new record in Lyons.Question: You go by Greg or Gregory.Answer: Some call me Greg, others, Gregory My mom calls me Gregory.Q: You were born in South Africa, but do you have any memories of living there?A: I have tons of memories of South Africa. I was a lonely high school kid and I got through it all by playing guitar.Isakov says his musical heroes are Bob Dylan and Kelly Joe Phelps. A multitude of laboring instruments like the tambourine, the spoons, and the harmonica made an appearance. I'm really happy with the way things have turned out in my life.? Gregory Alan Isakov with Ani DiFranco 7 p.m. Sunday, September 4, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, 720-865-2494. - The New Gay, TurningPointLocal folk singer takes a step forward in his careerby Dave Kirby (buzz@boulderweekly.com)Covering the music business as we do, we are consistently impressed by the seamless interaction of technology, craft and timing that goes into the presentation of an artist to the marketplace and the media. In the past it hasnt fit on some showbills. 20:00. "I just write music that makes sense to me," Isakov said. Since we started. I hated practicing,Gregory Alan Isakov wrote and recorded his new record in Boulder and Lyons. Each pluck, each percussion, each riff had the respected time to be consumed and digested. I've been playing music since I was 13. At all times he is quiet, but kind and warm and glowing with rousing insights. Indie-rock and folk by South African horticulturalist-turned-musician, 14 + (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). ?I think people are going to be surprised to see that much good music in one night, said Isakov. He lives in a barn on a farm outside of Lyons where he maintains the greenhouse. Always, his sketches are of people that possess an organic and all-too-human presence. "In some ways, the CD signifies a watershed event for Isakov as a performing artist. Isakov will admit that he is not a great singer, nor is he a great guitar player. Dandelion Wine 3. Gregory Alan Isakov. He's issued three discs 2003's Rust Colored Stones, 2005's Songs for October and last year's Ghost Stories and Fair Weather EP that he considers promo offerings, given the limited number of pressings and availability of each one. And once sitting with his guitar, its about the articulation and the sketches in his head. We didn't have much money when we moved to the U.S., and so we shared a one-bedroom apartment. "I like to play what I'm feeling at the time," Isakov said. Isakov has toured solo and with his band "The Freight". Tickets are $30-$199. Folk musicians, singer-songwriters and unplugged versions of rock bands constitute a huge swath of the music empire, one that never really goes away. www.thefreight.netwww.myspace.com/gregoryalanisakov-Jonathan BitzDenver SyntaxJanuary 15th, 2007www.denversyntax.com - Jonathan Bitz, Profile: Gregory Alan IsakovMonday November 24, 2008http://folkmusic.about.com/b/2008/11/24/profile-gregory-alan-isakov.htmA few weeks ago, I was working on a story for another publication and we had a photo shoot with a few really great local Seattle singer-songwriters. Comparisons have been made to Isakov's own hero Kelly Joe Phelps, and the solo-acoustic work that Springsteen escaped superstardom to produce at times in his career. "It's a really small program, but I did get to study for a year in Scotland. Included on these discs are variations on many of the songs that ultimately ended up on That Sea, the Gambler, his latest effort. -The A.V. "I went through periods where I just hated the whole thing, wanted to start over completely, so I'd put it down for a while and then come back and it would sort of be OK again. A lot of the songs are quiet, but nothing really repeats, so rehearsals are kinda necessary. Wednesday, August 20, 2008Gregory Alan Isakov The last post of my Boulder series concludes with one of my favorite artists to introduce to friends for the past three years. Gregory Alan Isakov, a truly underrated folk deity, performed in a stunning late-January concert at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. His voice is just putting it out there. I am a bot. But say this to Isakov and he will respond by saying that there is no way that you can reasonably expect to condense all that into one person. "They're great, they have good vibes when you want to chill," he smiles. The environmental showcase also will feature up-and-coming Mexican singer Lila Downs.No doubt about it, the buzz is on about Isakov.Two weeks ago, the singer-songwriter filled the University of Colorado's historic Old Main Theater. Growing food and music are two things I can never know enough about. Hints of everyone from Steve Earle to Gillian Welch also creep into Isakov's twangy, shaded folk, but it's his absolute ease-the man sounds like he's swimming through his own songs-that makes his new 'That Sea, The Gambler' such a stunning disc." It's really hard to be alone. Gregory Alan Isakov Hayes Carll Heartless Bastards Hiss Golden Messenger The Hold Steady . Its like punk folk. A bevy of other contributors added additional sonic flourishes as well. Follow Caetano Veloso. Head over to Spotify to, On the cold December night in Atlanta, The Smile b, Fans packed Eastside Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee, LIVE PHOTOS: McCafferty, Lydia, & Moose Blood // Atlanta, GA, LIVE PHOTOS: Jake Miller // Philadelphia, PA. Isakov has been taking on the folk music scene with his 2003 release "Rust Colored Stones" LP and his 2005 release "Songs For October". You see, to me, that is what distinguishes an average performer apart from the cacophony of coffehouse performers that I've grown used to. But instead of bloating egomaniacal, the humble Isakov follows the moment of glory by stating the facts: of how he played the show, met Fiona, and then half an hour later he was in bed, reading his Harry Potter book. And then, supporting The Lumineers on an international tour beginning in February. He doesnt often get too-cocky as he likes to say, about his arrangements. Subsequent albums have included That Sea, The Gambler (2007), This Empty Northern Hemisphere (2009), The Weatherman (2013), Evening Machines (2018). "I went to see Jolie Holland last year, and she nailed it," he continues. His name is Gregory Alan Isakov. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in Philadelphia, Isakov moved to Colorado at the end of the last decade. "Isakov really set his musical career in motion after he graduated from Naropa. Isakov has toured solo and with his band "The Freight". Gregory and his band have been touring consistently for the past year, though their solo trek began at the start of January. Even for Isakov, who is a sponge and a student of the world around him, there was some fundamental and obvious disconnection. When we play live, I do a lot of songs by myself and then the rest of the show with the band.? He has enchanting folk melodies and unmatched band members. "Isakov will be performing later this summer at Chautauqua, making a side stage appearance on Telluride Bluegrass Thursday, joining his admitted hero Kelly Joe Phelps at Swallow Hill in September and was recently added to the massive Monolith Festival lineup at Red Rocks, also in mid-September. These are the performers that make their job look so damn easy. "I wasn't like a heavy pot smoker at the time," he notes, "but I did start growing some in the closet at my parents' house. "See how full of clay it is?" he said, kneeling next to a just-seeded. I'm never fucking this up,'" he says. Havent we all made it, already? Isakov responds. And once you come to that grand understanding, remaining in that place of wonder is not terrifying. I guess I've always listened to songs, the more stripped-down the better. We prefer to think that slickness and glossy trappings ultimately de rigeur at some point in the professional process would be inappropriate as an introduction to Isakov's intimate and deeply human songcraft.As humble as the handshake may have been, the contents of the CD belie an artist fully formed and fully realized.