Jason Isbell came to Austin on a 3-night run to ACL Live, on the heels of the new album, “Foxes in the Snow” that dropped a few weeks ago.
Isbell is rolling on a high these days winning Best American Album and Best American Roots Song last year. He also started acting- what a film to do it in- the Academy award film “Killer of the Flower Moon”. He’s already shared many stories about his convos with Martin Scorcese and others on set. Truly amazing stuff. To be a fly on that wall…
The set was a 75 minute s with a 3-song encore with a nice mix of his catalog. He started with several new songs then rolled into some big hits, and then some sweet Trucker’s tracks. Fans especially loved “24 Frames”, “King of Oklahoma”, and “Alabama Pines”. We also liked “Strawberry Woman”. Isbell embeds many nostalgic Alabama details and road trips in the South in his lyrics. The video in the background makes you feel like you’re there, right now.
Isbell’s songs are also filled with emotion and memories and a little melancholy. Jason also spent a lot of time introducing the band to make sure they got their just credit. The band is filled with immensely talented musicians- many are multi-instrumentalists. Anna Butterss plays both bass and stand up bass. There was a 2 drummer situation. One drummer played 2 guitars most of the night plus some percussion.
The vibe of the show was super chill, no phones allowed (some sneaked some shot anyway). There wasn’t much storytelling but it was his 3rd night of the run and it must take a toll. You couldn’t tell from the music though.
The show didn’t have an opener but some upcoming tour dates will have popular special guests. You can catch Isbell with his 400 Unit on tour this year.
Set list:
Bury Me
Cumberland Gap
Stockholm
Crimson and Clay
Dreamsicle
Strawberry Woman
Speed Trap Town
Outfit (Drive‐By Truckers cover)
King of Oklahoma
Open and Close
Alabama Pines
Elephant
This Ain’t It
Gravelweed
24 Frames
If We Were Vampires
Encore:
Volunteer
True Believer
Never Gonna Change (Drive‐By Truckers cover)
