Jason Isbell

Sirens of the Ditch (New West)

When Jason Isbell left/was kicked out of the Drive-by Truckers earlier this year, it was a shock. For the past six years, the 28-year-old guitarist/songwriter had been a principal voice in crafting the band’s epic Southern swagger. Sirens of the Ditch, his solo debut, doesn’t surprise as much as demonstrate a wider range of styles and sentiments one sensed he always had in him. While favoring piano and pedal steel instead of his trademark Gibson SG, Isbell appears to possess a soul similar to Ryan Adams yet without the posturing. The Alabama native traffics in soul, blues, and country yet maintains an ability to dig deep for pop hooks, tender moments, and the occasional guitar overdrive. Featuring members of his old band along with Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section vet David Hood (Patterson’s dad) and Spooner Oldham adding their expertise, Isbell has pulled together another gritty Southern Siren song.

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This article appears in July 20 • 2007.

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