Sometimes someone comes along so talented, that no matter how much hype and admiration they have, it isn’t enough. To me, one of those people is Jason Isbell. He is well known and he has the albums and accolades behind him, but I still feel like he is super underrated. On Wednesday night, July 16, he brought his A Evening with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit tour to Red Bank, NJ.
Opening the night was Garrison Starr. I had never heard of her before, and I had no idea what to expect. Starr took the stage promptly at 7 flanked by her all female band. Sometimes it’s hard to review someone you have never heard of before. I have no idea what the setlist was, it isn’t even available online anywhere. For this, I am going to lean into the vibes. And they were immaculate. Starrs’ voice filled with so much grit and power. I was instantly drawn in. She reminded me a lot of Melissa Etheridge, in the best way.
Starr talked a bit about her background: growing up Methodist in the deep south. She was telling the story of her moving to LA and how hard it was growing up queer. Someone from the audience shouted, “Just play a song!” Starr quipped, “This is my time. They gave me a microphone. If you don’t want to listen you are free to go grab a coke.” The audience cheered. She mentioned at one point her new music being “Swamp Gospel” and that was fitting. Her incredible backing band came in many times for 5-part harmonies. It was magical, I got chills several times. One song that stood out to me was “Ain’t No Grave” and it was full on revival. Crazy vocals, harmonies, foot stomps, all of it. So, so good. It’s been almost 30 years since her first album and I am shocked she is not a huge star, no pun intended.
About 8:15 or so Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit took the stage and the audience erupted. Jason grinned out at everyone, and he launched into “Crimson and Clay” a song from Isbells’ fantastic solo record that came out earlier this year, Foxes in the Snow. Isbell played this solo, like it is on the record, strumming along while the rest of the band stood watching in the background. His voice was clear and strong, and you could hear a pin drop while he played. Fantastic way to set the tone.
Usually when a show is billed as An Evening With… you know they’re going to mix it up a bit, and the 20 song set certainly did that. Isbell mentioned early on that they were going to have fun with it, and some of the songs would be heavier than on the record. They certainly delivered. Playing through songs like “Tupelo,” “24 Frames,” and “Strawberry Women” the band breathed new life into songs while keeping what we originally loved in tact. “Miles” off of Weathervanes took us on a journey. Dare I say it was almost Prog rock? I never thought Isbell would fit into that category but the band really let loose on this one and it was absolutely fantastic to see.
At this point if you’re reading this, you already know that Jason Isbell is an incredibly talented songwriter and guitar player. Watching him play though, he lets the band shine. He would disappear a bit into the background while guitar player Sadler Vaden basked in the spotlight. A true rock star. At various times, though, Isbell would step forward to remind everyone that he really is a very skilled player as well.
He gushed more than once about the band, made up of Anna Butters on bass, Derry deBorja on keys and accordion, Chad Gamble on drums, and Will Johnson on, just about everything. It is clear to see that this group of people love playing together and they do it at the highest level.
The set list ran through most of the 400’s records, as well as “Decoration Day” from The Drive By Truckers, a band Isbell was a part of when he was pretty young. You could tell from the reaction that the crowd loved this throwback. They also played 7 tracks from the solo record, a lot of these were the slower songs the band played. Some of those had a little spice thrown on them too. It seemed like everyone was having such a good time together.
Personally, there were a couple songs I had hoped to hear that he didn’t play that night. “Cover Me Up” and “When We Were Vampires,” two of his most popular songs. I was a little surprised about this, but when you’re having a show like this one, they cannot play everything.
Isbell talked a bit in between songs, but they mostly just played. A 22 song set, there was something for everyone. They finished the show with “King of Oklahoma” which is arguably one of the bands’ top songs. It showcases everything that makes Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit such a special band: incredible guitar work, gut wrenching lyrics, and their special way of taking you into the song. Making you feel like you were there, that the song happened to you, that it’s based on your life. They do this so well and it really is something special to see. This is my second time seeing them and I am already looking forward to the next one.
GALLERY: Jason Isbell at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey (July 16, 2025)
