Graham Isaacson has the soothing sadness it takes to be a serious singer/songwriter. It requires a real understanding of heartfelt heartbreak and time’s passage to capture feelings the way he does. Isaacson captures them. And comforts with them. His lyrics are sad, genuine, and pretty. His voice gives them life and their own personality. Low and lovely, his songs are meekly uplifting with a time-heals-all-wounds understanding of things.

At times he sounds very Tom Waits. Other times, like a delicate combination of David Gray and Mike Doughty. And sometimes, the songs are so sad and so low he sounds like the deep, dark Leonard Cohen. But, his voice isn’t the only instrument Isaacson knows what to do with. The soundscapes on his debut release, Nine Days (because it was recorded in nine days last summer), are dynamic and intricate, weaving together layers of sound into one with guitars, cello, percussion, and standup bass from a group of musicians who obviously understand each other. It results in a tight, beautiful storm of sad songs you’ll want to listen to over and over again, especially in the falling rain.

If you needed proof, Isaacson and Pete Kilpatrick performed his "Working on Your Heart" at the Awards Show to close things out. Recorded for Kilpatrick’s recent release, the song somehow blends hope and melancholy to produce poignant pop that Portland currently can’t get enough of. Son of North Atlantic Blues Festival organizer Jamie Isaacson, Graham’s clearly got music in his blood. Now he’s giving the world a glimpse inside.

Runners up: Jason Spooner, Emilia Dahlin