Have you ever experienced that moment when you realize that something you hold so dear others don’t even know exists? Well needless to say, I was sadly surprised to find out that most every person to whom I gushed about the Gregory Alan Isakov concert last week just responded with a blank stare or a quizzical “huh?” I discovered his music five or so years ago and have been hooked ever since. His brand of songwriting evokes the wanderlust so typical of folk, as well as an expansiveness that can transport you to the wide-open, star-speckled sky. There’s something soothing about his voice, something that makes you feel as though he could be singing directly to you.

I’d been waiting for ages to see him live, and what a treat it was. Along with his banjo-wielding bandmate, Steve, he somehow made the tiny Privatclub feel even cozier than it normally does, giving the German term gemütlich a whole new meaning. They cracked jokes, took requests, and played what Isakov so aptly called “kitchen versions” of a handful of his songs, during which the two of them unplugged their instruments, huddled closely around a single mic, and serenaded us in earnest, closing out what felt like a musical night with friends.

His third full-length album, The Weatherman, was released a year ago after a four-year pause, but here’s to hoping we won’t have to wait as long for the next one.

There are heaps of great gigs coming up, so be sure to stay tuned for the latest!