28 January 2024 (gig)
31 January 2024
As close to perfect as it gets. Jason Isbell conveys more through a four minute song than most authors offer in a novel. His exquisite use of such emotive and vivid imagery, doesn’t so much tug at one’s heart strings, but pulls them from your chest. He doesn’t waste a word.
Union Chapel combines gorgeous architecture with the purist of acoustics. Onlookers rub shoulders as they hustle into some rather tired looking pews. It’s an intimate affair. With just an acoustic and that famous Alabamian drawl, there’s nowhere to hide, and certainly no need to. The ninety minutes which ensues is a masterclass. His flawless voice and remarkable guitar skills are glaringly apparent in the most personable of settings.
Jason takes to the stage at 8:45pm, with his only backing being a beacon of purple light beaming through the chapel’s floral silhouette window, in an otherwise low-key ambience. Tonight’s set is largely comprised of classic tracks from 2013’s ‘Southeastern’ LP, as it celebrates a decade of existence. ‘Relatively Easy’ commences this evenings proceedings, as Jason insists on getting requests out of the way, so he can play ‘whatever the hell I like’.
The sublime ‘Speed Trap Town’ follows as Isbell asks ‘How long can they keep you in the ICU? Veins through the skin like a faded tattoo. A personal highlight from 2015’s ‘Something More Than Free’. A majestic rendition and the elocution of that southern drawl, somehow pulls you even further in.
The setlist is meticulously thought through,. Tracks such as ‘Elephant’ and ‘Different Days’ offer the nostalgia for the evening, whilst ‘Strawberry Woman’ and ‘King of Oklahoma’ feature on the stunning 2023 ‘Weathervanes’ LP.
Jason appears at complete ease in what could easily be an intimidating setting. Anecdotes and resulting laughter are aplenty, as he routinely addressed the audience between songs.
Between his solo efforts and his material with The 400 Unit, Jason finds time for ‘Decoration Day’. A nod to his former band, ‘Drive By Truckers’ who helped pave the way to inevitable greatness.
A brief exit allows for a swift guitar re-tune as Jason returns to close the set with ‘Cover Me Up’ and ‘Cast Iron Skillet. A jubilant audience offer rapturous applause and a standing ovation, as the evening is brought to its climax.
Upon reflection, amidst a quick dash to the nearest tube, I feel fortunate to have witnessed such a triumphant performance. Tonight was a mesmerising demonstration by a songwriter at the peak of his powers. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
