Concert review: Isaak charms Vilar Center audience

Chris Isaak delivered all he promised and more at his Beaver Creek performance at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Wednesday night. Not only was there a smoking piano during Isaak’s cover of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire,” as he promised, a giant blow-up pin-up girl lounged on set during the second half of the show. And Isaak donned a reflective suit resembling a disco ball during the latter half of the show. But beyond the props, Isaak won the audience with his signature sound and charming personality.

The Vilar Center was full of energetic fans who danced to his songs and went wild for Isaak’s classic hits, especially “Wicked Game” and “Somebody’s Crying,” as a kaleidoscope of lights served as the background of his set.

Isaak and his band got down to business entertaining the audience with no obnoxious drum solos or unnecessary, long guitar ballads. His voice was perfect and just as soothing and clear as it is in his recordings.

It was obvious that Isaak loves spending time with the guys in his band because of his playful behavior on stage. At one point, he pushed one of his bass players away from the microphone and broke out in synchronized dancing with others. Isaak was clearly having a blast on stage, and he kept the atmosphere light by cracking jokes throughout the show.

Isaak also showed that he truly loves his fans, as he walked off stage into the audience a few songs into the show, serenading his admirers. He even brought one lucky woman on stage to dance with him and his band for one song.

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Even the women that weren’t fortunate enough to grab Isaak’s hand or join him on stage were caught in a two-hour swoon brought on by Isaak’s timeless good looks and signature voice that’s smooth as butter.

His handsome features have hardly changed over the years of his career. His Elvis-esque look is still thriving with his full head of hair and baby-blue eyes.

Isaak even sang Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” during a portion of his performance that he described as a “show within a show.” And there were other classic hits, such as “Ring of Fire” and “Pretty Woman.”

Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison all inspired Isaak, he said during an email interview with the Vail Daily. All of these artists were discovered by Sam Phillips and recorded their music in Sun Studios in Memphis. Earlier this year, Isaak brought his band to that same studio and recorded covers of these artists’ music, along with some of his own songs.

Isaak fans will be happy to know that his album recorded in Sun Studios is planned for a September release.

Courtney Riley is an intern at the Vail Daily. Email comments about this story to criley@vaildaily.com.