Jason Isbell celebrates his 40th birthday today. The Grammy-winner, who has become one of the most well-regarded singer-songwriters of his generation, was born on this date in Green Hill, Alabama. As a way of celebrating his big day, here’s a look back at Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit‘s home state performance at the 2013 Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival.
The 14-song set took place a couple of months before the release of Isbell’s breakout record Southeastern and saw him rely on material from previous records and his time in Drive-By Truckers. The early highlights included takes on “Decoration Day” and “Danko/Manuel” two songs he wrote during his time in the Truckers. Isbell & Co. also offered up a handful of songs that have now become rarities in recent years, like “Try,” “The Magician” and “In A Razor Town.”
The performance included covers of The Meters’ “Hey Pocky A-Way” sung by drummer Chad Gamble and Candi Staton’s “Heart On A String.” A powerful stretch of “Alabama Pines,” “Dress Blue,” “Codeine” and “Never Gonna Change,” all songs that continue to be setlist staples, punctuated their night. Below watch full show video of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit’s performance in Moulton, Alabama on April 13, 2013 (audio by MSTaper/video by Spillway Productions):
Setlist
Set: Tour of Duty, Go It Alone, Decoration Day, The Magician, Danko/Manuel, Hey Pocky A-Way, Heart On A String, Outfit, Try, In A Razor Town, Alabama Pines, Dress Blues, Codeine, Never Gonna Change
