Chris Isaak Woos the Mission Hill Audience

Photo by: Miles Overn copyright (c) 2012

There is something magical about an artist who knows exactly who he or she is and who performs out of that self-knowledge and understanding. Chris Isaak clearly is one such musician and entertainer. On an evening where the weather sorted itself out just before show time on the Mission Hill Winery outdoor amphitheatre, he delivered a captivating set of songs spanning much of his career while injecting numerous humorous anecdotes and cute choreographed bits with his band members.

Isaak has been in the game for over 25 years now, putting out records and touring, doing tv things here and there. His early exposure to music, and particularly those artists who made up the Memphis sound, has influenced both his writing and his performances. Much of those early influences combined with his unique slant on life and musical creativity came to the fore on Friday night at Mission Hill. The man looked totally at ease on the stage, as one who knows he belongs there.

Isaak’s voice is as haunting and unique as it always has been. As always, it was the subtleties and nuances expressed during different songs that captured and held his audience and freed them to enter his decades spanning, but timeless immediacy. This concert was not so much an event or a show as it was an experience. At times ephemeral and ethereal, it was also charming and enchanting . Many couples danced on the hillside or at the top of the amphitheatre, such was the vibe emanating from the stage.

His touring band was spot on, providing solid and seamless musical support and also sharing in Isaak’s playful shenanigans. Some nice solos when tunes allowed for them, but it was during the ensemble playing where this group really shone. Smooth when that’s what the song called for, edgy when they needed to be. Energetic and engaging in a manner which only made Isaak himself look that much better.

The Mission Hill outdoor amphitheatre is truly something special. The view overlooking the lake is spectacular and the architecture of the winery itself compliments the background, the stage and the amphitheatre beautifully. SW Audio did another excellent job by providing pristine sound at the perfect level for this artist in this setting.

This was an excellent performance by a truly unique artist. Awesome in its genuineness, stunning in its simplicity, profound in its playfulness. And the voice! Isaak held his audience spellbound. Really, what more can you ask for?