Chris Isaak first introduced himself by telling the crowd what to expect this evening. The rockabilly crooner and part-time actor best known for moody love songs like "Wicked Game" promised to play stuff from all four of his albums, a couple of covers, "and then maybe we'll do some Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young." Of course, he was just kidding about the last part, as usual. But this introduction epitomized the entire performance - a crowd-pleasing show which paired the heartfelt depth of his songs with the easygoing affability of his personality.
Chris Isaak is probably one of the better examples of that rare breed of performers who can truly call themselves "entertainers." Isaak's honey-smooth vocals translate even better live. From the plaintive falsetto down to the low, breathy whisper, when Isaak sings words like "I want your love/ I need your love..." you're ready to believe him (which is probably what prompted one woman to scream out in response, "Right here!"). Not only that, but in between sets he treated the responsive crowd to his own comedic schtick. All those years spent perfecting the consummate heartache song while starring in "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" and guesting on "Friends" have taught him well enough what it means to entertain. And the capacity crowd, which enjoyed a pleasant evening in the large, outdoor amphitheater while welcoming the San Francisco local back to the Bay Area, were up for a good time. In a finely tailored suit covered entirely with tiny, glinting mirrors that made him look like a guitar-playing disco ball, the rock 'n roll star/movie star gamely tells of late nights on the road spent "reading the Bible while watching CNN."
The only thing that successfully overshadowed Chris Isaak the Affable Comedian, however, was Chris Isaak the Singer-Songwriter. Following in the footsteps of idols Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, Isaak warmed the chilly crowd with a voice that combines a seasoned twang with a bluesy rock'n roll sensibility. While Isaak broke the charts with a repertoire of sad songs traditionally about love, loss, and loss of love (as with the title track to his latest album, Forever Blue) he should also be recognized for what could be called his more "upbeat" tunes. Catchy numbers like "Goin' Nowhere" and "Somebody's Crying" highlight his penchant for hummable songs which nicely straddle the line between rock 'n roll and country-western. Songs like these also allow Isaak's backing band, Silvertone, to show off its deft musical stylings with bluesy rhythms anchored by Kenney Dale Johnson's solid drumming.
Isaak delivered a live performance which combined well crafted music with a fun time out with the band. Despite a large audience seeking warmth under coats and blankets, the sincerity both in Isaak's music and his personality made the open-air amphitheatre feel more like the cozy Bay Area clubs Isaak played back in the olden days. No Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, but a good show nonetheless.
