In rapid fire succession, the band went from one song to another seamlessly, never losing their energy and enthusiasm. Chris Isaak was in the crowd by the third song, complete with red suit laced heavily with silver sequins, telling us how this was a wholesome family show right around the same time that Kenny Dale Johnson started swearing into the microphone. We could tell the act was well rehearsed, but still funny. His rendition of “Love Me Tender” was velvety and dreamy, which was a pretty amazing feat given how much he was being manhandled by the crowd.
Its right around this time grandma started getting really rowdy, especially after coming back from her crowd rush. She was on her feet, almost falling over her compadres, dancing in some flailing motion that made me worry that she’d fall and break her hip. I turned my attention back to the band, watching Rowland Salley and Hershel Yatovitz break into some dancing of their own, showing grandma how it’s done.
Chris Isaak encouraged all sorts of bootlegging for the next song, “We Let Her Down,” which he announced as a new song that would be on an album due for release next year. It played well for the crowd, even though they were eagerly waiting for him to move onto “Wicked Game,” which he did two songs later. Despite the fact that this song seemed somewhat routine for these guys, Chris Isaak hit every note pitch perfect, confirming for us that there was no fancy engineering done with that song in the studio. He even held the long ending note without a crack, going longer than the studio version. It sounded far more incredible live.
As a matter of fact, all night his voice didn’t falter once, and he never held back in showcasing his incredible range. His true vocal gymnastics came with the long acoustic set, where he blew us away with favorites like “Only The Lonely” and “Two Hearts”, a new song called “Take My Heart” (which was strangely reminiscent of the song “Mele Kalikimaka” from his Christmas album), and “Can’t Do a Thing To Stop Me.” That one especially got my husband and I, for we fondly recalled when we gave the DJ at our wedding our fresh new copy of San Francisco Days so we could dance to that song as husband and wife.
Chris Isaak even pointed out the spectacular moonrise coming up over the horizon before breaking into a short but memorable version of “Dark Moon.” Judging by how spectacular that moon was, breaking out that song was some pretty awesome timing. The band closed with an extended jam version of “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing,” and grandma was catcalling by now. Someone should have gotten her another $8 beer.
Article comments
1 - Kari
I saw Chris Isaak a few years ago at Meadowbrook and it remains one of my most memorable concert experiences! He is the most amazing live performer and is also so giving to his fans. After the show he headed to the merchandise hut (it was very shed-like, do they still use that?) and signed autographs for everyone standing in line. I have a very cute picture of him hamming it up for the camera. Thank you for the review that reminded me how much I love this man! Can't wait for a new album!
2 - Alice Jester
Kari - Yes, he did the same thing after the show this year, autographs at the merchandise hut, which bummed me out because we were close to the tent and could have gotten a great place in line, but my brother was driving and wanted to get out of there. I promised myself I'd wait in line next show. It's good to know he sticks around for everyone.
I'm thrilled to hear you got to experience one of his shows there. He is very generous to his fans. Thanks for sharing your experience!