Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony

Gregory Alan Isakov writes quiet, detailed folk songs that hold up remarkably well against a full orchestra, which is exactly what he brings when he teams up with the Colorado Symphony. He's built a devoted following on the strength of albums like "This Empty Northern Hemisphere" and "Evening Machines," songs that favor atmosphere and image over hooks. He also grows vegetables for a living when he's not touring, which tells you something about the patience in his writing.

He has Colorado dates coming up at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, pairing his songs with the symphony's arrangements in a setting that suits both.