Singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov will bring his folksy poetic melodies to the historic Ryman Auditorium for two evenings on Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6. The Colorado-based musician released his new album, “Appaloosa Bones” in August, all recorded from his farm outside of Boulder, CO.

Isakov comes to Nashville as part of his tour, bringing openers Lucius and Shovels & Rope, each playing one evening’s show.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Isakov immigrated to the U.S. when he was seven years old to live Pennsylvania. Isakov is known for his down-to-earth, rustic tunes like “Big Black Car,” “Amsterdam” and “The Stable Song.” He has released five albums, including “Evening Machines” in 2018, which was nominated for a Best Folk Album Grammy Award.

Isakov has played the Ryman Auditorium a few times, he said, “And I’m always blown away. You know? I remember laughing in the greenroom, like, ‘Oh my god, Johnny Cash used this bathroom.'”

“I love Nashville,” Isakov continued. “It’s cool because we’ve gotten a chance to play over the years like every kind of venue there, all over the place. And just to get to play the Ryman, a lot of artists talk about that, but it really is special.”

Isakov’s new album “Appaloosa Bones” is his first new album in five years, featuring rich layers of guitars, banjos and piano, many of which Isakov played himself. The album is a lush, full and comforting collection of thoughtful songs, superimposed with harmonies that feel like a hug or a warm cup of tea. Standouts include songs “Silver Bell” and “Sweet Heat Lightning.”

The listener can also hear nature’s influence in Isakov’s music, which has always been informed by the natural world. Much of Isakov’s new album was written at a poetry retreat near Big Bend National Park in Texas. While Isakov had written lots of new music, he found the songs that made it onto the record were created in that part of the world.

“I think nature kind of always seems to make it into the songs, to writing, but I do think there’s especially more in this record,” he said.

Location definitely plays into Isakov’s process as well. When he’s on the road like he is currently, or if he doesn’t have a lot of time to write songs or poetry in his notebook, he’ll fill out a postcard with a poem or lyrics. This grounds Isakov’s words—however brief they may be that day—in a place and time.

When it comes to which artists inspire him, Isakov champions Canadian singer-songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, also adding, “I love old country. I love Hank Williams.” For the past three months, Isakov said American singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt has been on his record player. “I think I haven’t even switched the side of the record.”

Surprisingly, though, Isakov grew up super into death metal music. He began playing the drums as his first instrument; “I played drums in a lot of rock bands, metal bands growing up,” said Isakov. He picked up guitar around age 11, and though Isakov always had musical passion, he went to school for horticulture.

Isakov said, “I started my own farm about nine years ago now. I think it’s our tenth season now and it’s been going really good.” Balancing working on his farm and performing was difficult at first when he needed to be present for the summer growing season, but Isakov has found stability in his two careers and peace in their differences.

Whether he’s on the farm or on the stage, it all comes back to balance and beauty for Isakov.

And the essence of the new album, he said, “It’s about finding beauty in the world when some things are kind of f***** up, and when things aren’t perfect.” Isakov noted his album addresses life’s imperfections, but ultimately pinpoints the little things that make everything alright.

You can hear the grace and hope interlaced into Isakov’s lyrics. In “Miles to Go” he passionately sings, “If you lie awake while your universe shakes / And I go weightless and fall / Claws out for you now, just hold on to yourself Almost home, we got miles to go.”

For more information on Gregory Alan Isakov and his tour dates, fans can visit gregoryalanisakov.com.