Words: Shawn Kyle

REAX: What do we have to look forward to, upcoming from Jason Isbell?

Jason Isbell: We just weren’t having fun anymore ... Oh wait, you didn’t ask that question. Thanks.

Jason Isbell has been on tour in Europe for the last few weeks and is in Spain as I catch up with him for a quick Q&A. He automatically, and jokingly, answers the question I was polite enough not to ask: What about the split from the group Drive-By Truckers? About one year ago, every listener of Americana and roots rock wanted to know the same answer, but now in retrospect it is easy to divine without asking.

Having joined the southern rock outfit in 2001, Isbell was there for its rise to prominence on the touring and festival circuit, contributing his heartfelt songwriting, vocals and guitar playing to what became one of the most talked-about touring groups in that genre of the last five years. Meanwhile, Isbell was frequently slipping into the legendary FAME studios in Muscle Shoals Alabama, laying down tracks on what would several years later become a completely different project.

This musical work, the New West Records release Sirens of the Ditch, is the reason why Isbell is no longer with his former band, despite whatever rumors you had heard regarding divorces or creative differences. Much like his songwriting on former DBT records, his words are close to the skin; he notices fine-print details and subtleties that make the lyrics unique. One of the standout tracks off Sirens of the Ditch is “Dress Blues,” wherein he describes the funeral of high school friend Matthew Conley, who returned from fighting in the current the war to be forever “sleeping in your dress blues”; at the service, “They're all dressing in black drinking sweet tea in Styrofoam cups.”

When asked about the other potent muses of the current record, he confesses that “Inspiration is the easiest thing in the world to find. It’s the motivation to do the legwork that can give you trouble.”

When you're a prolific songwriter, not every song fits the band that you are in, and if the music needs to see the light of day, then you may indeed need a new band. An Alabama native and not yet 30 years old, with countless miles of touring behind him with DBT and now in front of him with the 400 Unit, Jason Isbell is making the best music of his career. But we have to know, what exactly is a 400 unit?

“The name is borrowed from a mental health facility in North Alabama. Once a week or so, the administrators will take the patients into town, give them a per diem, and let them loose to find some lunch and stretch their legs. These folks wind up staring and saying some strange things while they’re looking for a sandwich. It seemed appropriate. The guys in this band are all dear friends who I’ve known for years, and they play incredibly. I’m very lucky to work with them. I must say bringing my own band across the pond a year after we first got together is a very special honor to me. Touring Europe is an irreplaceable experience.”

And these tours have not gone unnoticed. New West Records has also just released Live At Twist & Shout 11.16.07, a live EP documenting a brilliant live band capable not only of blowing the doors off a venue with foot-stomping. guitar-wrangling tunes, but also of pulling an audience into the moment with intimate and soul-bearing songs. Recent tours with not only the younger guard of American music like Centro-Matic and The Drams, but also legends like Son Volt and Alejandro Escovedo have been getting solid reviews. Unlike more commercialized facets of American music, those that are touring and performing roots rock and Americana have a sense of unity.

“I certainly think there’s a sense of community between us,” Jason notes. “We shared the stage with Centro-Matic last week in Holland, and it really did my heart good to see and hear them again.  I stay in fairly close contact with most of the folks you mention and that fellowship is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job.”

For REAX Music Magazine's second birthday party, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will be coming down to Florida for exclusive shows in Orlando at the Back Booth on May 30 and in Tampa at the Crowbar on May 31.

jasonisbell.com