Sunday evening my husband and I, along with another couple, saw a concert in Nashville, Tenn. For the right show, weโll drive to Louisville, Ky., Nashville, or Indianapolis โ or further. Seeing Chris Isaak is always the right show for me. This was the fourth time I have seen him perform; Iโve been a fan of the retro-cool crooner since my husband introduced me to his music soon after we were married.
Isaak is a 57-year-old singer, songwriter, and actor from the gritty California town of Stockton. He borrowed his brotherโs guitar and started writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his parentsโ music โ Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. Heโs also a former boxer.
Isaak is a very prolific artist: he has recorded 13 albums, starred in two short-lived yet acclaimed television shows bearing his name, and has an impressive, eclectic, acting resume.
The MTV generation remembers Isaak for the Herb Rittsโ-produced video of his biggest hit, โWicked Game,โ in which Isaak famously nuzzles model Helena Christensen on the beach.
Reviewers describe Isaak as the โincorrigible showmanโ and note his โmatinee-idol good looks.โย His voice has amazing strength and heโs an excellent guitar player. His 5-piece band, Silvertone โ most members together since Isaakโs early days โ are tight and have fun.
Wearing a blue paisley sequined suit (from the famous rodeo sequin suit maker,ย Nudie, Iโve read), we saw Isaak preserve the legacy of rock and roll at Nashvilleโs War Memorial Auditorium.
โI want to thank you all for coming out tonight to support live music,โ Isaak said early in the show, โbecause if you didnโt Iโd be walking around Nashville in a sequined suit like a sparkly monkey like everyone else.โ He asked who in had seen him perform before โ nearly ยพ of the crowd raised their hands and cheered. See you again next tour, Chris!
