Chris Isaak a-crooning, ladies a-swooning

Author

By Gail Powell

Publish Date

Dec. 14, 2012

The “Chris Isaak Christmas Show” rolled into town for two nights at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. The Stockton, California, native and swoon-worthy crooner charmed a sold-out crowd with an energetic set that ranged from Isaak’s hits to popular covers to Christmas classics.

Opening with "American Boy," Isaak called his December tour stop a "trans-seasonal mash-up" before jumping into the audience to sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The crowd leaned toward a prosperous middle-aged demographic that sang along with Isaak on Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas." My two female friends began to swoon and fan themselves when the handsome singer launched into "Wicked Game." There is no denying that the personable and boyish Isaak is a chick magnet.

The 56-year-old is touring in support of his new album Beyond the Sun, which honors Sun Record greats, particularly Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. The four-song encore included a nod to Orbison with "Pretty Woman" and Isaak's own "Big, Wide, Wonderful World," which is exactly how it felt to be in attendance at this rollicking holiday show.