Gregory Alan Isakov
Chateau Ste Michelle, Woodinville, WA
08.18.24
he Summer Concert Series at Chateau Ste Michelle continues to impress. This year’s slate of concerts has been nothing short of extraordinary, from rocker Gary Clark Jr., to the iconic Harry Connick Jr., all the way to legends like The Beach Boys and Pat Benatar. As we near the end of the summer season, there are still some incredible shows on tap, as evidenced by Gregory Alan Isakov and Ray LaMontagne playing back to back, sold out nights at the legendary venue. Surrounded by lush vineyards and towering pines, the atmosphere at Ste Michelle always feels magical, and that perfectly complemented Isakov’s introspective, nature-inspired sound.
Opening with “Amsterdam,” the audience was immediately drawn into the world of hushed vocals and tender strumming that Isakov has so carefully crafted over his career. His voice, gravelly yet soft, seemed to float across the crowd, blending seamlessly with the slowly setting sun and the sense of quiet calm. It’s common at outdoor shows like this for conversation between one’s neighbors to drown out the music, but that wasn’t the case here. People were engaged from Isakov’s first note, and his ability to create an intimate experience, even in a large outdoor venue, is a testament to his profound connection with his music and his listeners.
Throughout the evening, he transitioned effortlessly between tracks from his newer releases and old favorites, selections from Appaloosa Bones, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, Evening Machines, and The Weatherman. Songs like “San Luis” and “Big Black Car” proved a welcome, yet subtle contrast between his Ron Scott cover of “Liars” and “Second Chances.” Isakov’s backing band, understated yet precise, weaved in and out in a perfect complement to Isakov. His band’s use of strings, subtle percussion, and harmonies created a rich, textured sound that filled the open air without ever feeling overpowering.
The standout moment came when Isakov, flanked by his full band, joined together in the middle of the stage for the final three songs. “Dandelion Wine”, “Silver Bell”, and “Dark, Dark, Dark” combined equal parts introspection and reverie, and the subtle stage lighting proved the perfect accompaniment. Isakov’s interactions with the audience were sparse but sincere, reflecting his humble, soft-spoken nature. He thanked everyone for coming and expressed his gratitude for playing in such a beautiful setting.
Gregory Alan Isakov once again proved his mastery in delivering a live performance that feels personal, heartfelt, timeless. By the time Ray LaMontagne took the stage, it was clear those in the audience were thrilled to be there. Honestly, it’d be nearly impossible not to be; Chateau Ste Michelle was ideal for this experience, with its sprawling vineyards and pastoral elegance amplifying the connection between music, nature, and introspection.
Photos and Review by Sattva Photo
