“Gregory Alan Isakov’s This Empty Northern Hemisphere was one of the finest albums the year. Its melancholy poetics and lush, languid melodies stir me. He churns up his own musical atmosphere, ruled by the moon and the sea, at least aesthetically if not always lyrically. That he can do the same thing alone onstage…is remarkable.”

—No Depression

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, Gregory Alan Isakov has been traveling all his life. Songs that hone a masterful quality beyond his years, tell a story of miles and landscapes, and the search for a sense of place.

Music has been a stabilizing and constant force. “I’ve always had this sense about music and writing, that I sort of have to do it. Like I’ll implode without it. I probably wouldn’t do it if I felt any other way.”

His song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces, with hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen. He has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius” but the source of his writing often remains a mystery to him. “My songs have nothing to do with me; they have a life of their own. A lot of times I won’t know what a song is about when I’m writing it. It just has a certain feeling about it.”

Gregory has played numerous music festivals and venues across the US, Canada, and Europe.  When he is not on the road or writing, he is in his garden. A degree in horticulture might seem contradictory to a life spent in motion, but Gregory finds balance in the quiet concentration of the work, creating roots that keep him connected to home.

Gregory is now back in the studio recording a new album with anticipation of a release in the summer/fall of 2012.

“It’s impossible to know Isakov and not want to shout his name from the mountaintops…This Empty Northern Hemisphere is an artistic masterwork…”  —The Denver Post

“Hands down one of the best new songwriters on the scene.”  —Amy Ray (Indigo Girls)

“Gregory Alan Isakov makes quietly lush, deeply vibrant music more rooted in the starry night sky…than any terrestrial locale.”  —Paste Magazine

“Colorado-based, South Africa-born Isakov has a gentle voice and folk guitar through which other instruments, among them accordion, banjo, organ and strings, are delicately woven…songs like Dandelion, Master & A Hound, Fire Escape, and If I Go feel like drifting through space.”  —MOJO

“Anyone familiar with Gregory Alan Isakov will have experienced the magical silken threaded balance he uses to engage the listener. I still can’t explain why he leaves me with such a great calm but those gentle melodies and voice will set you adrift. His music possesses a timeless quality, an exqusite listening experience.  —Folk Radio UK

“Gregory Alan Isakov is a South African-born, Philly-raised musician whose music is all tones of sepia and creeping warmth. He’s recommended for folks who appreciate warmly intelligent, rich songwriting like Jeffrey Foucault or Josh Ritter. Now living in Colorado, we are proud to call him an adopted native son.  I love  the sly sincerity in his voice, like he knows a secret that’s making him smile.”  —I Am Fuel, You Are Friends

“This Empty Northern Hemisphere—has quickly become one of my favorite singer-songwriter albums of the year. With lush, warm arrangements that create images of star-strewn skies and wave-rocked boats adrift at sea, the album spotlights Isakov’s incredible artistic restraint and intuition.”  —About.com

“Gregory Alan Isakov’s new record, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, is the talk of the town this week, and for damn good reason. We’ve had it for a while now, and let’s just say, three records in, he’s delivered his finest work to date. And that’s saying a lot, because his other releases were exemplary. Brandi Carlile guests on this one.”  —Westword

“Colorado loves traditionalists, and it’s Gregory Alan Isakov’s unquestionable purity that’s elevated him above the infinite army of singer-songwriters. Rather than another would-be Jeff Buckley or Will Oldham, Isakov uses ‘That Sea, The Gambler’ to lay bare an elegant simplicity that’s caked in dust and an utter lack of pretension. Unadulterated, loosely woven folk music will always strike a twang in Denver’s soul, and ‘That Sea’ is one of the best this area’s seen in ages.”  —The A.V. Club