Former Drive-by Trucker Jason Isbell and his fantastic band the 400 Unit (including talented keyboardist Derry DeBorja formerly of Son Volt, Jimbo Hart on the bass, and Chad Gamble on the drums) have announced new tour dates and a new live album to be released Nov. 20. 

Having had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Jason and being a guest at one of his shows, I’m speaking from first hand experience when I say he is a phenomenal songwriter and performer. 

His solo stuff is much more folky than what he did with the Truckers, though his southern roots are still quite present in his songwriting. He’ll be sure to perform songs from his most recent album “Here We Rest,” as well as songs from his first couple solo albums and some of his favorite Truckers’ songs. Stand outs from his most recent album include Codeine, Alabama Pines, and Daisy May. Other great songs to check out from his solo work include The Blue, Streetlights, Hurricanes and Hand Grenades, and Dress Blues. 

In Jim James’ (of My Morning Jacket) and Jay Farrar’s (of Son Volt) new album “New Multitudes,” the talented musicians put a number of previously unsung woody guthrie lyrics to song. Sounds like something worth checking out!