25 November 2024 (gig)
3 h
‘Cast Iron Skillet’ serves as a metaphoric reminder of the richness that life experience brings and the beauty of simplicity. The Grammy award winning track is simply stunning and sits perfectly within this evening’s encore.
The catalyst for tonight’s twenty track setlist is 2023’s ‘Weathervanes’ LP. An instantly positive reaction from Hammersmith’s 5,000 strong crowd. The Apollo approves.
Lights dim and beers sink as Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit step on stage at 9pm. The following ninety minutes showcase a diversity of sound from crunching southern rock, to trademark Americana influences. The Gibson is routinely substituted for the Martin to reinforce the contrast in genres. A master of both.
With gems in abundance, the midway point delivers the diamond. A heartfelt performance of ‘Elephant’ taken from 2013’s ‘Southeastern’ LP. A mourning depiction of a loved one fighting for life as Jason sings, ‘I’d carry her to bed and sweep up the hair from the floor’. Who said perfection is a myth?
The Les Paul returns for ‘Overseas’, a real standout from 2020’s ‘Reunions’. Volume seemingly increases, as does the applause.
A publicly staunch democrat, the absence of any political outcry is observed and admired in parallel. Any privileges or ego are entirely unapparent as the evening centres around the supreme songwriting. It’s refreshing to see.
My prediction that ‘Cover Me Up’ will conclude the initial set is met with agreement by a fellow fan. The famous opening riff only confirms what I already know. ‘Girl leave your boots by the bed, we ain’t leaving this room. Til someone needs medical help or the magnolias bloom’. A chief wordsmith.
A brief interlude sees the band stop mid song, due to a medical emergency in the crowd. Security assists and proceedings quickly resume. Hoping all is well.
The final chord of ‘This Ain’t It’ rings through the Eventim Apollo. It being the loudest and longest song of the night, makes for an enthralling finish.
The band take centre stage for a farewell bow before fading into darkness. Ample applause continues after the band are long gone. This is an artist of the very highest order with no obvious desire for chasing vast mainstream success. Talent always comes out in the wash, after all.
