This was the first time I had even heard of Jason and I was pleasantly surprised when he came out to perform at this year’s KAABOO festival. Upon doing some research on him and his music, it came to my attention that Jason was more than a singer songwriter. As I discovered through his breakthrough album, SOUTHEASTERN, (2013) the former Drive By Truckers member speaks about his struggle with alcohol in his music. Several of his songs such as SOMETHING MORE THAN FREE or REASONS TO QUIT tell the story of his struggles and about his decision to stop drinking and partying hard. The song 24 FRAMES is a perfect example of his writing prowess. Jason is a true songwriter that uses his life experiences as a reference point for his writing.
When he hit the stage and introduced himself as being from Muscle Shoals Alabama, the birth place of some of the most iconic Southern Rock Bands that preceded him, I found myself even more intrigued. It became quite evident to me as a fellow brother in Recovery that his music was more of a concession and a message to all about the struggle with his demons. I can surely relate and I’m sure others that have been there could as well. His music not only has a true blues feeling but also a nod to Southern Rock legends in the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers and countless others. His guitar playing was precise and articulate with the slide-style that makes southern rock and country have its roots.
His most recent success came from winning “The Americana Awards” where he won Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year in 2014. He also performed his hit song “COVER ME UP” which he wrote for his wife. Even though he was overlooked by the Grammy’s I predict that Jason’s music will win one soon because his music resonates with so many of us. If you’re already a fan you know what I mean but if you’re not, take a listen to his music on I-Tunes, Spotify, YouTube or his website http://www.jasonisbell.com/
Rocman gives Jason Isbell a five star rating as a musician, songwriter, and artist. His live performance at KAABOO Del Mar this year was just plain awesome. Catch him on tour all over America this year it’s well worth the price of admission.
RocmanRocks / Backstage360
