Album Review: Gregory Alan Isakov, That Sea The Gambler
Gregory Alan Isakov’s latest release That Sea, The Gambler is a superb example of modern folk musicianship. The sparse yet tasteful instrumentation is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of over-done, over-polished album production. Isakov’s flawless choice in backing musicians reinforces the overall melancholy mood of the songs. The inclusion of the banjo on the majority of the tracks introduces a unique and contrasting instrumental timbre without sounding overtly bluegrass or country-esque. Isakov’s one-of-a-kind lyrics are powerful and introspective – delivered in a subdued, hypnotic fashion.
One can only imagine the experiences of Isakov in his travels through life: born in South Africa, his family relocated to Philadelphia, he traveled to the Middle East and eventually settled in the Boulder area and attended Naropa University studying horticulture. Since almost every song on this new album mentions the ocean in some form or another, it is apparent that the briny deep made a significant impression. Driving and train imagery is prevalent on the album as well, keeping with American folk roots music. This can be seen in the opening track “All There Is…,” the jaunty “Salt And The Sea,” and the reflective “3 A.M.” Personal favorites are “Black And Blue,” heavy with the twang of the banjo and the repeated lyrics of “I miss the taste of you, red hearts and the dust of June…/…two hearts gone black and blue,” and the snapshot imagery of “San Francisco.”
The attraction of Isakov is that his music is rich and sweeping – even when he is accompanied by a single guitar or by his band The Freight: an ensemble of mixed strings and straightforward percussion. His music is atmospheric, understated, and clever. Isakov’s residence in Colorado has seen him perform solo in small local rooms, with his band at large festivals, and he has also opened for national touring artists such as Rodrigo y Gabriela and Fiona Apple. The metro area should consider itself lucky that such a wonderfully talented musician, songwriter, singer, poet (and horticulturist!) resides in our midst. Experience Isakov live at the Swallow Hill Folk Festival on Saturday, September 8th.
TheFreight.net
Originally published in the Colorado Music Buzz Magazine
