Jason Isbell with Shovels and Rope, Pabst Theater, February 23, 2016

photo by Stephen Bloch

Going into the Pabst Theater on a crisp late winter evening, I knew that Jason Isbell was a fantastic songwriter.  2013's Southeastern  and 2015's Something More Than Free are both masterpiece records filled with the exceptional lyrical imagery and subtle sentiment that has earned Isbell elite status among modern Americana songwriters.  Something More Than Free, in fact was my "Pipes's Picks" Record of the Year last year, and also earned Jason Isbell Grammy Awards recently.  After more than three hours of great music, I left the Pabst Theater realizing that Isbell is not only a superb songwriter but a premier performer as well.

Simply put, Isbell and his backing band, "The 800 Unit,"  are a well-oiled Americana juggernaut. Something More Than Free, and Southeastern, but also mixed in older solo tracks and material from previous bands.  The show in some ways was a career retrospective, but all seemed to fit together with hopeful emotion stringing along the set like lights on a Christmas tree. The road-weary feel and bitter sweetness of "Alabama Pines" (a track off of 2011's record Here We Rest) was a show highlight and fit in nicely alongside tracks that Isbell penned with his previous band, The Drive By Truckers, ("Decoration Day" and "Never Gonna Change.")

 Their well-mixed and crisp sound resonated over a generous two hour long set.  From the first chorus of show opener, "Palmetto Rose," I knew we were in for a special evening of music.  Isbell's deep crooning vocals, "And it's war that we wage to get up everyday,"  coupled with his wife Amanda Shire's hauntingly enchanting violin licks were goose bump inducing.   Isbell's set featured a heavy amount of tracks from

While the older tracks were well-received, the songs from Isbell's last two albums shined brightly and elicited warm reactions from the sold-out crowd at the Pabst.  While Isbell's carefully selected guitar jams hooked listeners, it was Shires's complimentary work on violin that really took the show from good to great.  Shires, a fellow singer-songwriter and virtuoso violinist, mesmerized the crowd demonstrating how excellent songs can come alive with subtle and well-articulated arrangements.

photo by Stephen Bloch

The chemistry between Isbell and Shires on stage was palpable.  The couple was celebrating their anniversary and took time to sing a cover of Warren Zevon's "Mutineer" to commemorate the occasion.  The earnest humbleness that was conveyed through the stage banter and dialogue between the two was also noteworthy.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Opening for Jason Isbell was Shovels and Rope, a husband and wife duo from Charleston, South Carolina, who in many ways resembled an Americana version of The White Stripes.  With both Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst trading off instruments and lead-vocal duties, Shovels and Rope were a band in constant motion and a thrill to watch.  Their 45 minute set was so rousing that it brought the crowd to its feet before Isbell even hit the stage and set the night up for success.  Shovels and Rope are working on a new album and are expected to be back in Milwaukee this fall.  Rest assured, I'll be there.