Watching former Drive-by Trucker and recent alt country sensation Jason Isbell from our stage right post, TBR supporter Jay Burg and I talked about how confident and powerful Isbell was on stage.  Most musicians are at their best when on center stage, but his presence was unique and pronounced in a regal way. I thought, Jason Isabell is the man!



Jason Isbell took full ownership of the famous Port Chester stage like a captain leading his men out of port across the Atlantic.


Much has been written about Jason Isbell’s story (read here) so I won’t rehash it here. Check out his website.


Here is nice piece written on the show by Village Voice Hilary Hughes. It’s interesting that she mentions the pain factor involved with getting the last train out to NYC from Port Chester station.  That’s a new one on me, but then again, I don’t take the train home. I do though hear from guests I invite to the Cap that train is super easy getting in from Manhattan.


Isabel’s new album is terrific and the songs are familiar even though I was hearing some of them for the first time at the show.


I was so fracking happy when he put aside the wood guitar and fired up his Telecaster like the good ole DBT days.


His song “Cover Me Up” was super fabulous. I also got bubbles when he played “Decoration Day” and one of my new favorites from the new album “Elephant” (it has a great bounce). Hear it below or click here.

People always love a Neil Young cover, so his “Like a Hurricane” encore was warmly welcomed.


Here is the full set list.


That was the ying (the good), but there was a yang too.


Craig Finn’s solo gig didn’t resonate with me. The firecracker energy from his band The Hold Steady was missing, big time. Even with Joe Russo on drums, Finn couldn’t carry his new solo tunes. His robust catalog of funny facial expressions and hand dancing felt thin without his band and dense lyrics of Charlemagne and Holly.


Can’t wait for the next Hold Steady show!


Flap your wings Rancheros. (F.Y.W.)