From the very first note of the first song of the whole performance, the crowd is captivated. As “Amsterdam” rings out through the music hall, accompanied by the Charleston Symphony, the song turns into something angelic. Gregory Alan Isakov is a very talented musician whose voice and production are unlike anyone else. He went on a tour throughout the United States playing his music with different symphonies accompanying him and his band. I was lukcy enough to see him at the Gaillard Center on this tour.
Prior to the show starting, I found out that his opening song “Amsterdam” was written about his daughter growing up. While already being an emotional song for me, this revelation just escalated that. “She’s growing tall and fine, she’s got my back, she’ll follow me down every street, no matter what my crime,” these lyrics specifically are so sweet and touching. The bridge of the song is so beautiful and really tops the whole thing off.
This performance was special to witness as each song is essentially a new version with the symphony accompaniment. This concert was unlike any other. Usually when I go to concerts, I am in the front row singing along, dancing, and fully immersing myself in the experience. At this concert, however, we were all seated, quiet, and flooded with beautiful songs. We had no choice but to sit there and take it all in. I would not have chosen to watch it any other way. This forced me to sit there and admire all of the different talents on stage and really listen to the lyrics.
Gregory Alan Isakov is a poet above anything else. His lyrics are profound and captivating. Whether it is his saddest song “Appaloosa Bones” or his happiest song “Suitcase Full of Sparks” he has such a talent at articulating feelings in a way no one else could. Any emotion you feel, there is a song by him that matches. I have found myself turning to his music during the happiest moments in my life and in the saddest.
Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour long concert, my emotions were all over the place. Immediately I was in a puddle, crying throughout the first set of songs. Not because they were sad, just because they were so captivating. The rest of the time I cried on and off, totally not in control of my emotions.
It is so special how music can do that. Being such an escape from the world, your emotions do not know what to do. Reacting naturally and not feeling any embarrassment. Not being able to think about anything else as the music fills every ounce of your body. I am so fond of this experience and will continue to look back on it being one of the best concerts I have ever attended.
