Nashville singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, along with his band The 400 Unit kicked off a two-night run at Red Red Rocks Amphitheatre last night. A superb song writer, guitarist, and storyteller, Isbell, delivered a career-spanning set that was sure to please even the most dedicated longtime fans. Isbell swapped electric and acoustic guitars multiple times throughout the set, trading lead and rhythm duties with his longtime bandmate Sadlar Vaden. As a celebration of the ten year anniversary of his highly regarded 2013 release Southeastern, Isbell has been adding favorites from that album back into their setlists, including “Stockholm”, “Elephant”, and the set-closing “Cover Me Up.” Drive-By Truckers fans were treated to a take on “Outfit”, written by Isbell, from the band’s 2003 album Decoration Day. Isbell’s wife and bandmate, violinist Amanda Shires provided backup vocals throughout the night, and led the band through the spacey “Cross Bones Style” from their 2021 album Georgia Blue, and Vaden provided vocals on “Honeysuckle Blue” by his former band Drivin N Cryin. The band’s new songs, “Death Wish”, “Middle of the Morning”, and “Cast Iron Skillet” from their upcoming album Weathervanes (out June 9th) fit seamlessly into their setlist, and already feel like well-worn staples. The band’s 2017 album The Nashville Sound was well represented in last night’s setlist, with “Hope the High Road”, “If We Were Vampires”, “Cumberland Gap”, and “Last of My Kind” all making appearances. The two-song encore was capped off with a jammed out cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.”
As a Drive-By Truckers late bloomer, I sadly never got to see Jason Isbell perform with that band. I’ve been slowly exploring his music over the past few years, with Reunions particularly grabbing my attention. Last night was my first time seeing Jason Isbell perform live. It certainly won’t be my last. His love of music shines through in his timeless, emotional songs that span southern rock, country, soul, and blues.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, May 03, 2023, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO Setlist
24 Frames, Hope the High Road, Outfit, Dreamsicle, If We Were Vampires, Death Wish, Middle of the Morning, Cross Bones Style, Only Children, Stockholm, Cumberland Gap, Last of My Kind, Alabama Pines, Elephant, Honeysuckle Blue, Cover Me Up
Cast Iron Skillet, Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
Find upcoming Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit tour dates and news at jasonisbell.com.
All photos by Mitch Kline.