Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Live Review: Jason Isbell, Maria Taylor
April 14, 2011, The Earl, Atlanta
by Eric Wildes
The start of the show was delayed briefly due to a failing battery in Maria Taylor’s guitar pedal which temporarily made the tone sound like a failed hard rock experiment. However, after a quick microphone shift, the band was ready to go.
Though I had seen Maria Taylor play approximately 10 years ago in another band, I was immediately impressed by the control and quality of her voice. It is the most interesting aspect of the band to me. That’s not to say that the backing band wasn’t talented.
The third song of the night was a new number and was, to me, the best. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the name as some random was arguing with the backstage door man about not being able to see someone they knew in the other band. At any rate the show had a pretty subdued feel and Maria Taylor said that she felt significantly confined by the limited distance of the guitar’s jerry-rigged microphone. Regardless, I doubt any of her fans were left unsatisfied.
Jason Isbell soon followed set and the Earl brimmed with people who immediately displayed there fervor for the southern-rock tinged artist. I’m not sure I’ve seen so many dudes fist pump and yell lyrics in synch with a performer at the Earl, and this was a decidedly less indie vibe than the usual than venue’s usual crowd.
I say dudes because it was mostly young men attending. Much like Maria Taylor, Jason Isbell’s voice carried the performance from my point of view. He’s a powerful singer and easily blasted vocals from a place deep within.
The songs generally lasted longer than I expected as the band followed the classic rock levels of improvisation. This was met frequently with testosterone-laced hoots and even a couple of chest bumps.
Overall it was a bit too “rootsy” for my taste. However, you can certainly see why both of these artists have been so successful for so long.
Editor’s Note: Eric Wildes is a contributor to DeadJournalist.com. A writer, musician and teacher, you can follow him on Twitter: @Elvis_Skinner.
