August 27, 2019
Ikeda Theater
Mesa, Arizona
Chris Isaak returned to the Valley of the Sun with another great concert at Ikeda Theater in Mesa, Arizona on August 27, 2019. He never fails to deliver both musically and from an entertainment standpoint and this show was no exception. Chris Isaak and his Silvertone bandmates have been together for more than 30 years and it is easy to see that each of these musicians thoroughly enjoy each other and making great music.
Photo by Toby Karlquist – torenka.com
The show opened with “Hear Shaped World”, “I’m Not Waiting” and “Speak of the Devil”. Each of the musicians could be headliners on their own and together their 30+ years of playing together was a treat for the crowd. Hershel Yatovitz, (Lead Guitar) Rowland Salley, (Bass) Scott Plunkett, (Keyboards) Kenny Dale Johnson (drums) and Rafael Padilla (Percussion) are the driving force and create the unique sound that is Chris Isaak.
Old Fashioned Entertainment
Chris performed a good variety of his ample catalog including “Somebody’s Cryin”, “Wicked Game”, “Two Hearts” and “Blue Hotel”. In between songs Chris told stories and cracked jokes with the band. He could easily entertain the crowd just by talking for two hours. Between his musicality and his comicality Chris Isaak is the complete entertainment package. And the kicker is he is a down to earth, just plain nice guy. We have had the pleasure of talking with Chris a few times and we are impressed by what a humble and kind person he is.
The evening would not have been complete without “Baby Did a Bad Thing” which was included in the encore just before the finale “Blue Spanish Sky”. The crowd was appreciative of all of the music but always comes to life when the “hits” are played. And Chris knows how to work the crowd and make them feel like part of the show. I have said it before and will do so for years to come, if you are looking for and evening of fantastic music and just plain fun then get to the next Chris Isaak concert. You will not be disappointed and will become a fan for life!
See over 130 photos from this show on our torenka.com website!
