Fan Reviews
This show was excellent! Jason sounded amazing, as did the rest of his band. His voice was just like on all the recordings, smooth , hitting every note just right. We loved his set list, included 2 of our favorites, 24 Frames and Speed Trap Town. First time seeing Jason live and first time at this venue. Beautiful spot high up a hill, great views of Silicon Valley and we had a full moon that night. Perfect temperature. The drink special was "Cover me Up" after one of his popular songs, made with Jameson, lemon juice, honey and ginger ale. Even the opener, Adeem was funny and entertaining. Sounds like this show was far better than the next night at Hollywood Bowl, we got way more songs played at ours.
Jason did 3 for the encore, including, REM, The One I love, followed by Cast Iron Skillet.
The show exceeded our high expectations, would love to him again, and may go to another show at Mountain Winery, but its a bit of pain to get up there, one road up and down. We drove from Davis, but luckily got an airbnb nearby, as we would definitely not wanted to have driven home that night.
Saratoga, CA@The Mountain Winery
Amazing show, near 2 hour set with a nice mix of the band’s collection. While I love their albums, hearing them live is a wholly different experience. The variety of guitar tones and solid mix of solos, the now two drum kits, and honestly very little will compare to Jason’s vocals… hearing him belt out Cover Me up and Middle of the Morning… holy s***! If you get the opportunity to see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit do it!
Ann Arbor, MI@Hill Auditorium
1st full show after Weathervanes release. Incredible. Entire pit knew all the words to all of Weathervanes. Jimbo was out and they had the great Australian Base player Anna Butterss standing in. She was incredible. Will Johnson played extra percussion. Amanda was in Spain on tour, but as typically happens when she is away, the 400U rocks just a little harder! Incredible show.
Fayetteville, AR@JJ's LIVE
The Stiefel Theatre in Salina, Kansas is an exquisite refurbished venue, Redone to it's glory days!
This was our 3rd time experiencing Jason and the 400 unit and they didn't disappoint! Our seats were almost dead center, 4 rows from stage so we were witness to a tight, hard working, well-oiled yet personal machine roaring into Sa -Line - ah!
The opening act was a great addition, complimenting the overall feel of the night. I'll definitely check out getting Amythyst Kiah' s cd. Jason always has just the right openers!
My wife of almost 45 years and I had been in the music biz with a freestanding record store for just a week or so short of 30 years. GB Records in Hays, Kansas. (I'm the guy who's been bugging you over the years to"Get Jason Isbell Here"! ) So, we've had to journey each time to see the band! (on a side note, I noticed that Sadler was wearing a "THE BAND" T-shirt! good taste, man and one of our favorite groups too.
Jason had a great mix of songs that we were happy with, just wish there was time for MORE!
Of course we've had "Weather-Vane" on pre order and await impatiently. Glad he preformed 3 new tracks!
Just let him/them know how much he's truly appreciated, his art and songs have that feel of "REAL" people and places. We continue to spread the word of this very talented musican.
A very special THANK-YOU to Jane and all the staff at the Stiefel and the nomination of Theater Of The Year. You DESERVE it! You should be proud. I'm proud to see this theatre restored as I frequented it growing up and we've seen many many of the amazingly talented artists that you've managed to bring to this area! (I grew up in Assaria, just down the road a piece!
Keep up the GREAT (hard) WORK !! There's lot of people and further west that make the pilgrimage to the Stiefel!
Cheers, Gary and Becky Schaeffer Hays, Ks
Salina, KS@Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
Jason was great !!! BUT !! To many assholes stood up the whole show blocking the view of many people who paid a lot of $ for good seats only to be blocked from seeing the band preform .. ruined the show for many who just like to sit back and listen .. I have been to many shows at the Rialto before and this had never happen .. venue should have made an announcement or maybe Jason .. Based on that I give 4 stars instead of 5 .. I saw Jason at Red Rocks a few years back and this was not an issue !!
Joliet, IL@Rialto Square Theatre
sound was off...we couldn't understand the lyrics. Great music and venue. The concert was just kind of "meh". Guitar was the best thing about it. The most exciting part was when the band stopped completely until some men in that crowd that were fighting were removed from the venue. Then the band started the concert again. Kind of disappointing for the price paid. They were much better at "Under the Big Sky" a couple years ago.
Billings, MT@Alberta Bair Theater
Jason Isbell was awesome! Really love the musicianship of him and the band. Great songwriting too.
The mix was a bit loud from the balcony. The vocals sometimes were lost in the sounds of everything else.
The venue was beautiful. The strict rules on size of clear bags was a bit over the top. There was also a no photo and video policy. People still took photos and videos so it was annoying there was even a rule.
Evansville, IN@Victory Theatre
Jason Isbell always brings it to every show we've seen. We were hoping that the Val Air Ballroom would be a close intimate venue., but it wasn't. It's ok to hear some run of the mill bar band, but not for performers you actually want to hear. So much talking going on just ruins a serious performance. Will think twice before going to another show here.
West Des Moines, IA@Val Air Ballroom
Jason Isbell writes from the belly of America and his heart. He appeals to all who are listening but especially drives an arrow through the hearts of all women and men that live what they hear in his songs.
He is the quintessential writer….do I say in the vain of our great musicians who he follows in their footsteps.
He tops it of with an excellent band of collaborators plus I’m sure “ brothers ( instrumentals ) in arms.”
Grand Rapids, MI@Van Andel Arena
Concert was excellent as always, but kind of LOUD. I really enjoy his songs when there's fiddle and it is not so overpowered by guitars, so as good as the concert was I think it could have been even better. Also a couple more of his more mellow songs would have been nice. Too bad he never comes to Oregon with Amanda Shires - I just watched one of his concerts on cable TV and it was clear how much she contributes to the 400 unit band.
Portland, OR@Keller Auditorium
Amazing - as always. Set list included songs that we hadn't heard in a very long time, which made the 8 hour drive to & from the Ryman grom Cleveland OH very worthwhile! Isbell's shows never disappoint - as all of us die-hards can attest to 150%. The talent he possesses as a songwriter along with the lyrics he writes is something that cannot be put into words or rated... his incredible thought-provoking lyrics have the ability every single time he sings them to make tears happen (with a few of his slower tunes), while other of his tunes will make ya wanna dance and sing at max volume.
Isbell & the 400 Unit are an amazing group of folks that have a remarkable & beyond entertaining stage presence at every single one of their shows.
Nashville, TN@Ryman Auditorium
Jason Isbell is one of the best singers/songwriters currently working, and maybe of all time. His songs are moving, inspiring, devastating, beautiful. Some of them move me to tears every time I hear them. I will never miss one of his concerts if he comes anywhere close to me. I’m even considering driving to Nashville to see him at the Ryman in October. He blows me away.
Irving, TX@The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Jade Bird has a powerful voice and great songs. Was unfamiliar with Father John Misty, he has a heck of a light show, he’s very cool looking, and most of his songs made me move. I need to look up his lyrics. JI&400Unit killed it as usual. Also the usual song list with no surprises like maybe Streetlights or Molotov. Decoration Day was a surprise encore. I’ve never left his concert disappointed and this one was no different.
Richmond, VA@Altria Theater
This concert was amazing! I was moved to tears more than once. Jason is such a talented songwriter and musician. His wife Amanda Shires on the fiddle was absolutely brilliant. I feel so lucky to have been part of the audience last night. I was able to leave it all behind for a couple of hours ,because he had my complete attention. He deserves every bit of respect and accolades he receives. Brilliant! ❤️❤️
Prestonsburg, KY@Mountain Arts Center
Justin Moore
September 27th 2018
It was really great to see Jason Isbell and the other bands that played and I realize that Isbell wasn't headlining but he and his band had a very short set. It very well may have been up to the concert organizers. Every artist had a short set except Alabama and the concert was surprisingly short. It was a concert to benefit the university though and so, wasn't like a normal show but it was for a good cause. Overall I had a great time and was very happy to finally hear Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit in person I only just wish I could have heard more!
Jacksonville, AL@Jacksonville State University
I would of given 5 stars. The reason I didn’t is,I am of the opinion, when his wife, Amanda Shires, is with the band that something is off with the entire show. JI and 400 Unit play so tight and the music is more on the “rock” side. I love this band. Would recommend ANYONE to see this band. All members are fantastic musicians... together they are unbelievable!!!!!
Phoenix, AZ@Symphony Hall
The no pictures policy (artist choice) was annoying because the ushers kept coming down the aisle with flashlights telling people to stop taking pictures, but the show itself was excellent. Lighten up Jason, and just request no flash photography. That seemed to be the issue. We hardly got to watch the opening act at all because of those ushers doing what they were asked to do. I’ve been to that venue many times before, and this is never happened.
Cedar Rapids, IA@Paramount Theatre
Jason was amazing. I've seen many's a concert, but this was an experience unlike anything I've ever attended. The sound was identical to the record, and the setlist was spot on. I have to admit the setlist was a little short at just 19 songs, but maybe he'll have a longer set next time around. (I'd love to see Jason headline a gig with no opener so that way he does get a longer set)Brilliant venue as well. I had an amazing view for the price I paid for tickets.My point is: see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit live if they come to your town- otherwise- you'll regret missing out on seeing them.
Boston, MA@Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
user16124247
March 11th 2017
The band was fantastic. Jason Isbell is not only a great writer, singer and guitar slinger, he is also a funny gifted entertainer who can extemporaneously charm an audience with the best of 'em. Really fantastic band as well. I'd also like to mention, the main concert hall for the House Of Blues in Anaheim is a great sounding room, size- wise, somewhere between Tipatina's and 1st Avenue: intimate, yet able to host a robust crowd
Anaheim, CA@House of Blues Anaheim
He gets better every time. Clean living has served him well. He surrounds himself with that long-standing remarkable band that continues to musically convey his lyrical messages. His occasional banter between songs is always great. It can temper some of his "heavier" songs and elicit some laughs. There aren't enough artists (lyrical and musical) out there who continue to thrive over time and I'm grateful I had another opportunity to experience this one's (and his band's) gifts.
Houston, TX@Cullen Performance Hall
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