More so than many of his peers, Gregory Alan Isakov has a magical, mystical way with a folk song. There’s a tenderness to his approach that never tips into the abyss of corniness that befalls so many others. His new collaborative album, Gregory Alan Isakov and the Colorado Symphony, is a perfect example, as the orchestra so easily floats under, around, and above his compositions.
“One of the things we were really going for, making this record, was a symphonic element that allowed the songs to breathe and maintain a sense of space,” Isakov says. “And I love how it came out — so many hands were involved with the arrangements, scores, mixing, artwork, and video work.”
On its own, “The Stable Song” epitomizes what sets Isakov apart. Add on the Colorado Symphony and a throwback video, and the die is cast. Isakov turned to his bassist, John Grigsby, to make the video using a combination of vintage footage and live “actors” folded into each other through animation and editing. As Isakov tells it, “John Grigsby is one of the most creative animators and musicians I know. I love how our collaboration with this video took shape. I think that’s why I love playing with John in the band, as well. Songs, for me, don’t really exist in the literal world. I love how this video allows the viewer to dream up their own take on the song.”