The beauty of Gregory Alan Isakov’s latest album is realizing how much it surprises and rewards the listener. It burns slowly, not unlike a campfire that blazes one moment and then crackles the next. A song might begin with the barest of bones, with Isakov’s resonant voice closely synched to his acoustic guitar. But then the orchestral layers begin to pile up, transporting the songs to cinematic heights...

Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony features songs from Isakov’s previous three studios releases, along with the debut studio recording of 'Liars', a fan favourite that’s been a staple of his concerts for the past few years.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Colorado Symphony's contribution is incredibly subtle. I love how underplayed it is - it certainly adds much to each track but without being loud and overbearing.

The album contains 11 songs (45 min, 12 sec) with personal highlights including 'Amsterdam' and 'Saint Valentine'.

For Isakov's fans, this is like discovering his classics all over again. Pick this up - you won't be disappointed.

Track listing:

01 - Liars
02 - Dandelion Wine
03 - Big Black Car
04 - The Stable Song
05 - Amsterdam
06 - Master and a Hound
07 - Saint Valentine
08 - That Sea, the Gambler
09 - Living Proof
10 - If I Go, I'm Goin
11 - Unwritable Girl

9

Nick Smithson