While his new album is titled Mr. Lucky, it would be foolhardy to assume that Chris Isaak's remarkable career is attributable to mere good fortune.
His success is only partially due to his good looks and sweet voice. Isaak has parlayed a clever musical concept into a solid 25-year career that shows few signs of abating. Isaak's basic premise- polish the rough edges of vintage rock'n'roll until it shimmers like diamonds- is a stroke of genius.
If the raw sound of Carl Perkins and Gene Vincent walloped fans like shots of moonshine, Isaak's refined approach goes down like a fine Chardonnay. An audience of approximately 900 drank in Isaak's thoroughly entertaining performance Thursday at the VooDoo Lounge.
With his lanky frame, gaudy Western suit and oversized gestures, the boyish Isaak resembled the character Woody from the movie Toy Story. He donned a mirrored suit for the encore- but Isaak plays his hokey schtick for laughs. Isaak, 53, is genuinely funny. He delivered a series of punchy one-liners as he strolled through the audience during "Return To Me."
Almost all of the 27 songs he performed in his hour-and-forty-minute appearance were so solid that his two biggest hits, "Wicked Game" and "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," didn't particularly stand out amid less celebrated material like the soulful "Let Me Down Easy," the elegant pop of "Summer Holiday" and the exquisite "We Lost Our Way."
"I don't know if you like the song," Isaak deadpanned as the audience applauded the latter offering. "Or if you just like a song that puts down L.A."
Isaak's choice of covers was also delightful. They included Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me," James Brown's "I'll Go Crazy," Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely" and a truncated version of "Kansas City." Even the two songs that dragged a bit- "We Let Her Down" and "Best I Ever Had"- were kept afloat by Isaak's outstanding veteran band.
"It's nice to play in a place were you can see the bar," Isaak kidded. "It gives the band focus, something to work towards."
One of the evening's best moments didn't belong to Isaak. Bassist and songwriter Rowland Salley performed his "Killing the Blues," a song recently popularized by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant.
"That would bring a tear to a glass eye," Isaak noted.
Salley's ragged croak was one of the night's few unrefined elements. Retaining most of its studio sheen, the immaculate performance remained on the right side of the fine line between tastefulness and daintiness.
And that's precisely what the adoring audience expected of Isaak. While they paid premium prices (tickets were $55 and $70) for the seated show, they received their money's worth.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
This was the 4th or 5th time I have seen Chris Isaak W/ Silvertone and I gotta say, there seemed to be something lacking last night. While he is always entertaining, I was slightly disappointed.
I think it had something to do with "the seated show". What's up with the whole front end of the floor staying seated from the first song until he told them to stand? Maybe it didnt' have anything to do with it, but from what I saw alot of the front was filled with "older" folks (50+).
I kind of felt sorry for the band coming out to a bunch of non-excited, seated people. From the show of hands, it seemed it was their first time seeing him live. Perhaps they didn't know what to expect or maybe they had their tickets comped by the casino and were just there for a free show.
Who doesn't love a guy who wears a mirrored suit?
Posted by: Laurie | July 17, 2009 at 10:11 AM
My first time seeing Isaak and was pleasantly surprised. Rolled the dice on a premium balcony table and was quite impressed- easily paid for itself in vantage and sound. An enjoyable show by all standards. Though my love-hate relationship the VooDoo continues; seated floor- bad choice. However, the sound system and acoustics continue to be among the best in KC. Was hoping to hear “Pretty Girls Don’t Cry” and “Two Hearts”, but Salley’s sparse “Killing the Blues” was genius- Isaak even seemed legitimately touched. Still contemplating the “Wicked Game” video being played in the background- nostalgic or a bit desperate?
Posted by: ReverbTank | July 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Nicely written review!
Posted by: onthemark | July 17, 2009 at 12:33 PM
That's news to me - I never knew CHRIS ISAAK has been at it since his 1985's 'Silvertone' CD. Simply TOO many artists to keep track of anymore.
Posted by: Bubba | July 17, 2009 at 02:01 PM
In response to should we stand or sit; I vote for stand. I have attended almost every Chris Isaak show that has ever played in our area. Last night was the first show where I have ever been witness to more sitting. Honestly just stay home & listen to the CD or watch Mr Isaak on TV. A concert is meant to be interactive & the last time Chris played the VooDoo there was more standing, which lead to a longer set. Last night ended much too quickly for me. It is a shame Chris did not make it all the way to row 16, seats 4/5/& 6, if he had, it would be noted there were 3 girls doing more than just standing, they were enjoying & looked cool doing it.
Posted by: Maria | July 17, 2009 at 02:28 PM
"Ragged croak?" Seems a bit harsh. In only this instance, the dynamic is more Mick Jagger's non-stop showmanship stepping aside to let Keith Richards belt out "Happy".
Salley a/k/a Grammy winning Rolly, threw a nice change up. A break from Isaak's songs, self described as mostly, "Boy wants girl, boy gets crushed by girl; or rarely, boy gets girl, then girl sues in superior court a few years later".
Where were the girls dancing on stage at the end of the show? Now we know it was an old crowd
Posted by: ptgkc | July 17, 2009 at 08:09 PM