PORTLAND — Chris Isaak and his first-rate band turned in a sensational show at the State Theatre tonight.

Clad in a light-blue sequined suit, Isaak had one foot in 1950s Memphis and one foot here in Portland.

Over the course of a 90-plus minute set he traversed his own catalog and delivered several old rock ‘n’ roll gems of the Sun Studios era. Songs like Carl Perkins’ “Dixie Fried,” Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and, of course, a few from Elvis Presley, including “It’s Now or Never” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Some of these will be on an album recorded earlier this year at the storied Sun Studios and scheduled for release before the year’s end.

Isaak, now in his 50s, is still the consummate performer, full of David Letterman-style humor and Elvis-worthy dance moves. He’s also still got one heck of a voice, and he let it shine all night on hits like the timeless “Wicked Game” and “Somebody’s Crying.”

Early in the show, Isaak took a tour through the audience – including the balcony – and sang “Please Don’t Leave Me On My Own,” much to the delight of everyone.

Opening the show was local rock musician Darien Brahms, who turned in a terrific half-hour set with her drummer, Ginger Cote.

An expanded review will appear in Thursday’s The Portland Press Herald.

Staff Writer Aimsel L. Ponti can be contacted at 791-6455 or at: aponti@pressherald.com

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