Alabama Rock - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

If you're looking for a new band to get into, look no further than this one. I had never heard of Jason Isbell before yesterday but there's no doubt that he and his band were the best we've had at Wolf Trap this season. Everything gelled together and he gave an emotional and incredible performance I won't forget. Born in Green Hills, Alabama, Isbell spent his early years in various garage bands and attended the University of Memphis. In 2001, he joined the Drive By Truckers (who came to Wolf Trap about a month ago) where he contributed vocals,guitar and songwriting to the band. He left the group in 2007 and began releasing solo records which he continues to do now. In addition, he formed his own band, the 400 unit, in 2009. His last two albums, Something More Than Free and The Nashville Sound, have found great commercial and critical success and both took home the award for best Americana Album at the Grammy Awards. Isbell has cited Bob Dylan and Neil Young as his biggest influences and that can clearly be heard in his work. While his songs rock a little harder than Dylan or even Young, the thoughtful lyrics and his vocal style do hearken to the artists. Isbell has battled drug addiction and alcoholism in his life but an intervention led by his wife and friend Ryan Adams staged an intervention which has left him clean and sober. He is married to country violinist Amanda Shires and the two have collaborated on numerous records since their marriage in 2013.

As I listened to his music on the way to work, I realized that this could be a good show if they sound anything like their records. I was right on the nose and Jason Isbell gave an amazing concert that had me completely impressed. His opener was Hiss Golden Messenger who were great in their own right. Lead singer MC Taylor has a Dylanesque voice and their exceptionally crafted folk-rock songs held their own against any other band I've heard this season. Jason Isbell closed he show and he has a number of musical weapons at his disposal. First is of course his band. Guitarist Sadler Vaden may be the best rock guitarist we've had and the whole band has the ability to make slow and fast songs sound powerful and complete. Isbell has guitar chops in his own right and the interplay between the two musicians was one of the highlights for me. Jason also has an incredible voice that carries both emotion and power. Sometimes he belts like Springsteen and other times he lets his Neil Young influences come to the forefront but regardless of his tone, the lyrics are the main focus. Isbell's words often evoke harsh emotions but those hard times are usually rectified and Jason performs as a man who has come back from many low points in his life. At their core, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are a rock band but what differentiates them from other acts is their expert muscality and their southern roots/emotions that all coalesce together to form a unique sound. Groups like this give me hope that rock n roll isn't dead, you just need to know where to turn to. I now happen to know a band.

It was hard to pick a favorite part of this awesome show but when he opened his encore with Neil Young's "Ohio", I was forever sold to the band. Having seen both Neil Young and Crosby Stills and Nash do this song, I will go on records saying this was my favorite version and Isbell carried the song as if it was his own. That shows a true artist!

Looking forward to more shows in the future!

DC

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 

Hiss Golden Messenger