​Jason Isbell (from the album Foxes in the Snow

​Jason Isbell (from the album Foxes in the Snow

​Jason Isbell (from the album Foxes in the Snow available on Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers) (by Bryant Liggett)
Many claim he’s the best songwriter around. An arguable statement, of course, but Jason Isbell deserves to be on somebody’s Best Of list, whether that be for the few stellar cuts he contributed to the Drive-By Truckers early on in his career, or on his praised releases that have come since, both solo work and with The 400 Unit. His latest release, Foxes in the Snow, is another solid showcase of his songwriting talent, album cuts that are spotlit center stage along with Jason Isbell, playing on a 1940 Martin, and that’s all you get. No backing band, no big recording sound, just Isbell, a guitar that was built before troops landed on Normandy, and his songs, tracks that were banged out in a five-day run in the studio.
The album opener, “Bury Me”, kicks off with just Isbell’s voice, a Gospel tune, setting a heavy vibe that rolls through the whole record. It’s also the kind of cut that a traditional Bluegrass band could sink their teeth into. “Gravelweed” is a somber song loaded with personal wishes, “Don’t Be Tough” carries some life lessons not unlike the Drive By-Truckers releases he was a part of, (and live show favorite) “Outfit” as he sings ‘don’t be tough unless you have to, let love knock you on your ass’ (one fabulous line among many) and the Foxes in the Snow title track, rendered with Jazzy, front parlor vibe.
Jason Isbell is the complete package, as songwriting aside he’s also a fantastic guitar picker, on display here along with his compositions, which remain sad and somber, moving and powerful. In this writer’s opinion, awards mean nothing, however, Jason Isbell is likely lining up for another Grammy for this release. (by Bryant Liggett)
Listen and buy the music of Jason Isbell from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Jason Isbell website