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El Rey
11/28/2009 7:30 PM at Gregory Alan Isakov
622 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Cost: $15 adv, $20 DOS
With Special guests Chatter! Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:00. Proudly presented by Puccini Productions and sponsored by Whole Foods Market and BikeABQ
A mysterious traveler is coming into town: a musician with an old soul and a lot of talent. Gregory Alan Isakov is a singer-songwriter whose poetry and melodies will take you to the stars.
Born in South Africa, Isakov’s family immigrated to the U.S. in opposition to the apartheid. "The experience instilled in me the feeling that life is quality not quantity based." Isakov was seven when they settled near Philadelphia, a time he describes as understandably challenging for the family, though he personally felt at home in his new multi-cultural environment. Since then, Isakov has been a roamer. "I’ve lived in so many different places; I don’t feel indigenous to anywhere."
Isakov feels an artistic kinship with folks like Kelly Joe Phelps (he admires his ability to merge heaviness with humor) as well as Brandy Carlile, who offered to sing and record parts of "This Empty Northern Hemisphere" at her studio. The pair also cut Leonard Cohen’s "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong," as a duet. Isakov co-produced the album at various locations with Jamie Mefford who also engineered and is credited with God Noises.
He’s accompanied throughout by his band, The Freight: Jen Gilleran (drums), Jeb Bows (violin) and Phil Parker (cello). Isakov plays guitars, banjo, piano and harmonica, among other instruments. "This Empty Northern Hemisphere" is Isakov’s latest album. On it he conjures the miracles and heartaches of day-to-day living, then transforms them into melodies, with a serious commitment to songcraft and musicianship.
Chatter will be opening for Isakov. Chatter is a local chamber ensemble that was founded in 2003 by David Felberg, violinist, and Eric Walters, cellist. The group was formed in order provide opportunities in Albuquerque to hear 20th and 21st century musical works for chamber ensemble and chamber orchestra. In addition to its unique repertoire, Chatter contributes to New Mexico’s cultural life by employing the area’s finest professional musicians, whose individual artistry is honored by programming solo works. Chatter is also committed to young musicians, frequently featuring members of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony in side-by-side performances.
Advance tickets are available for $15 at Bookworks, Encore Music, Birdland, over the phone at 1-866-I-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), and at http://gettix.net/concert/?event_id=3167 Service charge, facility fee, and/or handling fee may apply. You can also purchase tickets at the door the day of the show for $20.
This is a 21+ event, but because it will be fun for all ages, persons under 21 will be admitted with a parent or legal guardian.
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