Gregory Alan Isakov Reviewed Plus Australian Tour
‘Appaloosa Bones’ by Gregory Alan Isakov
Out Now
Another Triumph
My first encounter with Gregory Alan Isakov was back in Arkansas in 2016 where he performed with The Colorado Symphony. It was a thought-provoking and ethereal experience that spawned an album together. Fast forward a little to 2018 and I caught three of his shows on the Cayamo Cruise including a moving, unforgettable tribute to John Prine. That year he released the brilliant Evening Machines which was a clear standout for me. In 2019 he toured Australia with a tight, string outfit and he wowed the audience. (he’s coming back to these shores next year – see below).
Appaloosa Bones
This Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician returns with his sixth album Appaloosa Bones, a collection of ethereal, pared back and evocative vignettes.
The album was recorded in the studio barn on his property outside of Boulder, Colorado, where he helps grow produce for local restaurants and a regional food bank. The new release is issued through Dualtone Records and Isakov’s own label Suitcase Town Music. The arrangements are more rootsy, more stripped back when compared with Evening Machines, with rhythmic banjo and acoustic guitar often the underlay.
“I wanted to go backward a little bit, because Evening Machines was such a deep dive into arrangements. I wanted to have more of a raw experience with this one. I set out to make a folky, small lo-fi rock ’n’ roll record. And then the songs kind of tell me, ‘No, fuck you, this is what it’s going to be’”.
Gregory Alan Isakov
Produced by Isakov and Andrew Berlin, the opener “The Fall” is a true exemplar of the album (the song has 3.5 million Spotify hits already at the time of writing):
Australian + New Zealand Tour
To celebrate his return to recording, Isakov is embarking on a headline tour around Australia & New Zealand in January 2024, bringing his swirling live performance and Appaloosa Bones to life on stage, a treat for us.
Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates 2024
Tue 23 Jan | San Fran, Wellington
Thu 25 Jan | Tuning Fork, Auckland
Sat 27 Jan | Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Mon 29 Jan | The Gov, Adelaide
Wed 31 Jan | Freo Social Club, Fremantle
Fri 2 Feb | Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sat 3 Feb | Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
The Last Word
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, Isakov has established himself as a truly unique musical force.
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More Music Adventures Await!
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Gregory Alan Isakov Reviewed Plus Australian Tour
