When you are offered an opportunity to see one of the most prominent songwriters of our time, you take it.
Last night, I made yet another pilgrimage to the Rose Music Center at The Heights to see Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. If you haven’t been to a show at Rose, you must add it to your list. It's an incredible outdoor venue with great seats (there isn’t a bad seat), and great sound, and the staff at Rose are simply the best. Tonight the weather was spectacular. As the sun was setting the temperature was hovering around 65 degrees. It was the perfect setting for live music.
The evening opened up with a set from long-time musician Alejandro Escovedo. Alejandro is a cherished musician from the great State of Texas. At 73 years old Escobedo has been on the road touring for over 50 years! In fact, his recent stop at Rupp Arena in Lexington with Jason marked his 30th year playing shows in Lexington. Alejandro comes from a family of musicians and he has shared the stage with the likes of Bruce Springsteen. His set kicked off with his signature electric guitar riffs backed by Mark Henne on drums and Scott Danbom on Keys.
Alejandro delivered a tight mixture of blues, rockabilly and what reminded me of the sounds of New Mexico and the Lone Star State. The highlight of his set was an emotion-stirring version of "Sensitive Boys" that seemed to be a love letter to his early days as a traveling musician and his early starts in punk rock. Before playing the song, he reflected that time was closing in and that traveling as a musician would someday end. Scott Danbom then began softly laying the foundational piano intro to "Sensitive Boys." It was a touching interaction with the crowd for a man who is often considered a legend. It was at that moment that I was reminded by the bond Springsteen shares with Roy Bittan live, where they are often in complete harmony with the emotions of a song. It's a bond and brotherhood these musicians often share throughout their entire careers.
With the temperature now around 63 degrees and the sun setting, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit took the stage. While there were some familiar faces for longtime fans of The 400 Unit, there were also some new ones. Bassist Jimbo Hart and longtime member, Amanda Shires, had recently left and are no longer current members of The 400 unit. Their replacements include Australian bassist Anna Butterss and Will Johnson who not only brings added guitar but also a second set of percussion. Sadler Vaden remained as an existing vocalist and lead guitar player, Derry deBorja on keys, and longtime drummer, Chad Gamble. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit operate as a lethal 6-piece rock n roll band. As I settled into my seat I asked the young couple next to me if they had been to a Jason Isbell show, and they enthusiastically acknowledged it was at least their third show. I asked what they liked most about these shows? Both acknowledge they love Jason’s records, but always seek him out live because the albums really “open up” on stage.
From my perspective a musician cannot be given a greater compliment. The goal is to bring their albums to life in front of an audience. I would soon learn Jason and team are well-equipped to make that happen. The set kicked off with a blistering rendition of Oklahoma. Immediately, the synergies between 3 guitar players were evident. Jason and Sadler have perfected their playing together and they sound simply incredible. Will Johnson sat deeper on stage to keep closer to the extra percussion setup, his playing and vocals were felt all evening. Anytime bands of this caliber include three guitar players the backdrop can be powerful. The band was tight all night and their sound was crisp and accurate. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit are refined and powerful live. They navigated the evening and took us down different paths as they weaved their way through tracks covering several albums, however, 2023’s Weathervanes was the most represented. The only other album represented more than once were two songs off of Breakthrough Southeaster. The music last night had a sense of nostalgia and longing. It's almost like a feeling of being lost and you need to find your way home and this music will help get you there. The music has a sense of familiarity to it, despite its powerful stories.
Anna Butterss was smooth and sounded great and was often switching between bass guitar and stand-up bass depending on the arrangements needed. She was often anchoring many of Jason’s acoustic approaches to his catalog. The added percussion of Will Johnson provided powerful moments. Not many bands attempt to pull off dual drum kits. Still, the rendition of Miles with Will Johnson and Chad Gamble playing together in a drum chorus was incredible - it was very likely my favorite moment of the night for The 400 Unit and why they are world-renowned.
Being seated close to the stage I was able to watch the close interaction between Jason and Derry on keys. Often as things slowed down and Jason wanted to add emotion to the room Derry was right there adding keys to lift the acoustics. They played in perfect harmony all night long. Another highlight was an explosive cover of "Honeysuckle Blue," a Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ cover. It was this song last night that had me thinking of the legendary Black Crowes Live at the Greek show with Jimmy Page destroying Led Zeppelin covers. Sadler Vaden is just magnificent on guitar and Honeysuckle just blew the doors off the venue last night. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Jason delivered an honest, deliberate, and harrowing version of "Cover Me Up." It is these moments that make Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit something to witness in concert.
Last night was a carefully crafted and delivered masterclass in folk, blues, and rock n roll. This music could fit in a small room or fill up an arena. Those in attendance likely felt it was a combination of all that. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit put on a magnificent show and are a treasure to see live. So cheers to these cool summer nights at Rose with one-of-a-kind talents like Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit.
