Jason Isbell took to the outdoor stage at The Shed in Maryville, Tennessee Saturday night and proceeded to blow the roof off. I covered Isbell 10 times on the Southeastern tour and every show was amazing in its own right. Saturday night was different. This was an all out rock and roll explosion, worthy of a dvd to document the sheer excellence with which Isbell and his band performed. This was a perfect beginning to the Summer concert season at The Shed.
Nearly 1000 people were in attendance and for most of the night all of them were on their feet. The hot and somewhat sticky weather was a preamble to the wonderful Summer we are beginning to experience. Short shorts and summer dresses were plentiful, mixed with the jeans and leather for which the crowd at The Shed is known. Watching faces light up and lovers pull together, intermingled with exuberant dancing and rowdy screams, filled the concert with more ahhh moments than can be recounted.
The show covered a lot of ground musically speaking, ranging back to his days with Drive By Truckers while highlighting the entirety of his solo career. It really was a “Best of Jason Isbell” night. Set highlights included (and it would be easier to say everything!) Super 8, Dress Blues, Codeine, Alabama Pines, Decoration Day and Elephant.
