What’s a Sunday night in NYC like? Considering it’s Game of Thrones season, Sunday nights have been pretty epic as of lately. This past Sunday was more of a relaxing experience and smooth ease back into the weekend, as Gregory Alan Isakov was in town. The folk-based singer-songwriter brought his Colorado big sky country music to Brooklyn, and as the weekend came to a close, for one night I felt like I was back in the country, where the bright lights come from the night sky, and not the buildings.
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Anyone who listens to his music knows his song have a very organic style to them, so it only makes sense that his band carries the spirit of the songs when they play them live to, with cello, banjo, and kick stompboxes. His set list for the night consisted of deep lyrical-based stories taking the shape of hauntingly beautiful songs like “Amsterdam,” “That Moon Song,” “Big Black Car,” and intimate solo and duet versions of “Saint Valentine” and “The Stable Song” with his banjo player.
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov
His appreciation for brilliant songwriting was never more evident than the encore cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You.” With the whole band gathering at the front of the stage, it’s only appropriate the band ended with “All Shades of Blue,” ending an intimate night of great music with great people. Not bad for a Sunday night in NYC.
Article: Tom Shackleford
Photos: Manish Gosalia
