Jason Isbell: Singing ‘til Things Get Fixed

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By Jason Andreasen

For many, the word ‘troubadour’ seems to conjure up imagery of either lute-wielding Renaissance-era men serenading damsels or coffee-house singer-songwriters petrified by the thought of an amplifier. Jason Isbell is not that type of troubadour. With his first solo album, last year’s Sirens of the Ditch, he proved that he isn’t afraid of plugging in, turning it up and intertwining poetry with stories of war, politics, murder, family and love. Instead, these things seem to serve as muses. On Saturday, June 14, you can hear it for yourself at Chelsea’s.

While many might know Isbell from his days with Southern-rock royalty, Drive-By Truckers (DBT), his venture into a solo career has produced equally noteworthy results. In fact, as Isbell sat inside his Muscle Shoals, Alabama home, he pointed out that since his split from DBT, not as much has changed as you might think.

“I wrote a lot when I was with them and it was a very similar situation as far as the writing part of it. I’ve always tried to get the same thing accomplished, from a writing standpoint,” said Isbell. “It’s changed some of the details of how the work is done, changes some things about touring; but as far the writing aspect of it goes, I’m still trying to do the same thing I was trying to do five or six years ago.”

Isbell recorded Sirens while still with DBT, calling on members of the band to work on the record, including co-producer Patterson Hood and ex-wife, DBT bassist Shonna Tucker. While Isbell seems to treasure the time he spent as one of DBT’s axe-men, he isn’t dwelling on what could have been. He’s content with his move to go it alone.

“It was time to go. The recognition that they had at that point, it’s a good thing, but it’s not a reason to do something on either of our accounts. I know a lot of people who have played in the same band for 20 or 30 years and don’t even speak to each other anymore. We weren’t interested in doing that,” he explained.

When asked about playing with the band again, Isbell replied, “It might happen at some point.”

Isbell is currently enjoying playing with his new backing band, The 400 Unit. Following Sirens, Isbell called on the Muscle Shoals-based crew to back him in his solo efforts. In a desire to release something with the new backing band, Isbell put out Live at the Twist and Shout 11.16.07. The six-track live EP is a collection that gives fans an idea of what to expect at their showcases. From renditions of DBT classics “Danko/Manuel” to Isbell’s “Hurricanes & Hand Grenades” and even a thoughtful performance of the Van Morrison staple, “Into the Mystic,” Isbell’s live performances carry the same weight as the embroidery of his verses.

Isbell’s attention nowadays has turned towards his next album. He and The 400 Unit will be heading into Alabama’s legendary FAME Studios (where Sirens was captured) next month in order to begin recording their next release. While much of the writing for the album has already been done, Isbell doesn’t have an idea of how the follow-up will compare to Sirens of the Ditch.

“I don’t really know yet, and that’s really not my job,” said Isbell. “We’ll see. I don’t really have any pre-conceived ideas on how it’s gonna be. I’ll just write a bunch of songs and see what happens. Hopefully, it’ll be out right at the end of this year or early next year.”

As a songwriter and a storyteller, Isbell knows the key is in having the courage to have a viewpoint and the nerve to share it with the world. He doesn’t hide his thoughts or fear being labeled as ‘preachy’ and he doesn’t mind if you disagree with him.

“If you’re a songwriter, I think in a lot of ways, people pay you for your opinion. They want to hear how you feel about certain things and you have a responsibility to tell ‘em,” said Isbell. “I don’t think people who are just random celebrities necessarily know what they’re talking about, but if you are a writer, and you are someone who focuses on anything current, there’s gonna be social and political overtones to it.”

When asked if those overtones will continue to be prevalent in his music, Isbell responds, “Unless everything gets fixed, which I don’t see happening.”

To find out more about Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit’s June 14 show at Chelsea’s, go to ChelseasCafe.com or visit MySpace.com/JasonIsbellMusic. Isbell likes to keep his shows fresh by staying away from set lists and dreaming up the show’s track listing as he goes. Just like the heartfelt songs that he has produced since leaving DBT, his shows are organic, spirited insights into a Southern sensibility that is as thought-provoking as it is soulfully dispensed. Isbell is quickly cementing himself as a modern troubadour of the highest order.

Originally Published: Issue 688 - June 11, 2008

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