Back Porch Session: Jason Isbell

Join singer/songwriter Jason Isbell on the Garden & Gun back porch for an intimate performance. Filmed July 5, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina.
For more visit, gardenandgun.com

[@KariAaraas100]

He's one of the best song writers of our generation.

[@Allagi22]

Beyond a shadow of a doubt

[@MikeFromNashville]

You got that right! He’s got it all! Song writing, voice and an amazing guitar player.

[@richardbraddock1262]

I AGREE Kari I am finding more & More of his Music on Itunes & Spotify , Downloading in Itunes to burn 2 CD Later,

[@singingfedexmanjoshcampbel1614]

THE best

[@dayshaboo2003]

Most underrated singer/songwriter today

[@davidboguzes9576]

David Hoye not anymore. People have caught on...brilliance will eventually find its way to the people

[@MrBigbob78]

David Boguzes Hopefully but he may not get he air time he deserves because of all the crap on the radio today. It is sad because he is great artist

[@Allagi22]

Without Question

[@deadheadgreenthumb]

The whole world could know about Jason and he would still be underrated. Guy is just on another level. Dylanesque.

[@austinfinley5521]

Also one of the more underrated guitar players

[@keithmulderig753]

I was a fan before I was a fan. The songs I was most attracted to by the Drive By Truckers were his. Then I found his solo stuff and been obsessed and inspired. Even a hack guitar player like myself can play his songs and sing them and feel great. I saw him on my birthday in New Orleans with my last girlfriend. And those memories are so bittersweet the only thing I don't like is that his music leaves me emotionally exhausted. Because you can't just listen without being emotionally engaged. Especially if your an outsider.

[@toterola451]

+Keith Mulderig, I get a lot of those same feelings from his music. I can only listen to "Dress Blues" on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Any other time just takes my mind to a place I don't like for it to be. But this kid is such a songwriter's songwriter. Even Steve Earle called Jason a "BAD MOFO"! That's pretty high praise, in my book.

[@jacksonmoore5531]

"Any other time just takes my mind to a place I don't like for it to be." thats the point

[@toterola451]

No, maybe I didn't say that just right for you: it takes my mind to a place I shouldn't dwell in for too long a time. Dress Blues is a brilliant indictment of the Bush Administration's "Hollywood Wars", and I see what that's done to my family, my community, and my nation. And, not to put too fine a point on it, these are my thoughts and feels. They inform my opinions. You should concentrate on doing the same, instead of being a smug little twit who wants to tell other people how to think and interpret art.

[@jerkison5700]

+toterola451 not quite sure what you are talking about. I never said anything about your thoughts, opinions, or how to interpret art. I simply stated the song is meant to take your mind to a dark place. Nice try though, "twit".

[@heatheradams9883]

I was a fan before fan as well! The drive

[@iamthebyron]

0:34 "Different Days" 4:16 "Travelling Alone" 8:46 "Live Oak" 12:23 "Stockholm"

[@jasper_north]

iamthebyron thanks

[@brrrrharrr]

thanks in 2020

[@AndersLarsen79]

Thanks in 2021, just started listening to Isbell

[@az0119]

Thanks in 2022

[@bmiller8461]

Thanks, 2023

[@bernlin2000]

Oh...so this is why people like country music. Incredible.

[@elchiponr1]

Its nog even country , more folk slash country

[@greyxwind]

Why did you assume country music was unlikable? Classist?

[@dexstewart2450]

@@greyxwind cos most of it is garbage

[@WhiteRussian82td]

@Kilo 31 I'm agree & gonna one-up you in that regard - there is music. "Good" & "Bad" are always going to be subjective - as the concept of "genres" - I think if You Tube was just like taking every music video it offers & getting rid of it's genre / like / dislike / etc. & just played like the most random mixtape of music ever that it would help everyone have a more profound appreciation of what music actually is. The Universal Language.

[@WhiteRussian82td]

The guy was giving props to the gig. No need to read all in between the lines, friends.

[@calebanderson9160]

This performance is hands down one of the best short acoustic sets.I have ever seen. To have been there would have been a memory that I could never forget.

[@peggyo6083]

I agree 100%.

[@MikeFromNashville]

One guitar, one mic and listen to this! Amazing. He’s amazing.

[@JohnMinoiaMusic]

Jason Isbell is a treasure.

[@jameskpolk]

I don't know that we've ever had a better songwriter than Jason Isbell. Dylan, Townes, Lennon, Billy, Bowie, Young - he's in that club, all equaled but none surpassed.

[@danielmims8467]

Townes and Dylan . That's high praise . Best of the best if you ask me . I met them both the same night. Dylan and Townes' songs alot of times were better covered (Jason's cover of tecumseh Valley is great) with the exception of a few. Thats not the case with Jason and he is definitely is top tier. I was supposed to hang out with him at a tribute show for my cousin Justin Townes Earle back in January but covid postponed the show a year. I know they were like thick as thieves but had a falling out . JT was a great songwriter too and his pops ofcourse is. But TVZ will always be the goat imo

[@Elfarran32]

"Traveling Alone" is my favorite on Southeastern! A great solo version--thanks!

[@elchiponr1]

the words are pure poetry "tryin to beat the angry snow" and then the part about the hooker, that's almost too honest

[@joshdegano1567]

One of the best song writers of our time, if not, ever!

[@kevanwebb85]

Yes he's great. And I've played him on my radio show in Kampaeng Phet, Thailand, sometimes converting these performances to mp3.

[@TybaltFive]

Why do we care if he's famous? The best treasure is found in places where the majority of people aren't willing to go. Those that make the journey are rewarded.

[@steelermule]

God we are so lucky to see artist like this , govt Mule Etc.for 20-30 bucks, when idiots are payin out th ass to see clowns like Aldean,colt ford , chesney blank shelton and such! Enjoy it

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

​@@steelermuleI saw him 2 weeks before this performance in Monterey, CA. It was like $20-$30, and I walked right up to the front row and danced my ass off. Lol, the ticket prices are a bit steeper since he won a handful of Grammys (Well-deserved). Glad to have been in on the secret early, though! Gov't Mule is a great band, too! I've been going to their shows since like 2007, just saw them in February 😊

[@songololo1571]

The sound engineer did an amazing job with this performance! Sounds perfect!

[@BaktaBak3]

Yes, perfect sound........and I prefer this type of venue vs the noisy crowded stadiums , screaming fans and a sound guy that blasts everyone's eardrums out ! Not enjoyable.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Yes for sure, just one microphone...

[@mixtapemanifestoes]

Not only one of the greatest songwriters and most awesome guitarists,but one of the greatest singers and all-around best cats you could ever hope to meet..Jason keeps on keeping on,and I'll damned sure support him fully and totally...DIG IT!!

[@artiebledsoe5991]

and as well as beeing a great player he is a nice guy 2 his fans

[@aislesmusic]

This is a fantastic performance, Jason Is the future of rock & roll storytellers.

[@elchiponr1]

was listening to this driving from LA to Vegas with my brother and mom in back, watching the mountains roll by. Truely beautiful

[@ericscott7430]

So glad to be able to listen to such amazing artists as Isbell, DBT, J Roddy & American Aquaurium

[@avh41082]

Eric Scott Isbell and American Aquarium are my go-to music, in person or on KZbin, when life is too much. I'm fortunate that I saw Isbell the day of this video filming at The Pour House in Charleston, and I've seen American Aquarium there numerous times, since I'm just 100 miles away. I'm so anxious to hear them with the new lineup, and hope they meet my expectations with the absence of Colin Dimeo, and a few others. BJ Barham has done wonderful solo projects as well.

[@Pisomajado]

He meant every word he sang. Beautiful words

[@nesta6480]

Southeastern is a home run. Thanks to Mr. Isbell for a wonderful trip of an album.

[@williamhoward3072]

Without a doubt one of the best song writers

[@papagriz33]

Traveling Alone is such a beautiful song.

[@elchiponr1]

Played this when I was cookin dinner for my mom, she was fallin asleep on the couch. It was really nice.

[@BaronLane]

"Different Days" "Traveling Alone" 'Live Oak" and "Stockholm." from "Southeastern" Excellent.

[@08thurston]

Love the way Isbell writes songs, all awesome.

[@paulelliott3220]

Jason is one of the best songwriters around; and there a lot of them at the moment He sings it like he writes it and never disappoints Albums with the 400 unit are fantastic, his stuff with DBT pretty awesome and his new album grows and grows Great performance Thanks for posting

[@robinh8416]

I love these back porch sessions. Thank you Garden&Gun. Nice

[@leannaestep3066]

Tired of Traveling Alone takes the breath from my lungs. It's poetry..it's music...it's perfect.

[@leannaestep3066]

And apparently I was just touching the surface.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

@@leannaestep3066 Yep. There's a lot of depth to Jason. I came across him first a few years back playing some mean lead guitar for Justin Townes Earle (R.I.P) on 'Harlem River Blues' on Letterman. To then find out about his previous life as a Drive-by-trucker with an absolutely gorgeous voice and writing chops to match was one of the best worm-holes I have to thank KZbin for! Also, you should check out JTE also, if you like this kind of raw writing I don't think you'll regret it. 😊

[@johnforbz]

Stunning. I know I'm late to this, but Jason is amazing. Incredible songwriter! Can't wait to see him perform live!

[@mathewhutchins2539]

“You can strip in Portland from the day you turn sixteen / you got one thing to sell and benzodiazepine...” That is such a good rhyme.

[@treyeakle4900]

You've been stripping in Portland

[@wigster25]

still by far the best G&G session there's ever been. J Isbell rules!

[@chrisrush2112]

Jason Isbell solo performance on a porch in Charleston, SC!!! Can it get any better?!?!?! I think NOT! One of the best cities in the USA and one of the best singer songwriters of all time!!!

[@toterola451]

I have been a fan since the first time I heard him with the DBT. I am so proud of the mature, amazing artist he has become. Here's to you, brother. I hope to watch you become the universally acclaimed and respected architect of sound that I believe you will be.

[@andrewhelfand2534]

He is a John Prine Student. He is very talented.

[@tacogillespie4561]

The evolution of a great artist continues

[@johnmyers7570]

To see him and Amanda along with John Prine encore with Paradise was surreal. Then two more shows in the next month. Every one was phenomenal.

[@johnmyers7570]

+john myers I left out that I was referring to the Lexington KY show on 6/26/15. There are a couple of good videos on the tube

[@randols001]

I was there too! Great show!

[@lynnamartinez3155]

So good I'd like to meet your mama and thank her. I have listened to you every day for the past 333 days....and counting. Can't wait to see you live.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

One of the best songwriters in the world at his absolute peak. I think he’s amazing and he’s a big influence in my own songwriting, just brilliant.

[@m.carranza5402]

First new music I've been interested in hearing more of.

[@jaredroyse9087]

Just hits home on so many levels

[@davidstarry1119]

Pretty sure this was right before his Charleston Pour House show. Probably one of the best nights of music of my life. Top 3 for sure.

[@avh41082]

David Starry the only time I've seen him live, but I've seen American Aquarium there numerous times. Always a great experience. PoHo nights are my nights to jump in the car and drive 100 miles there in silence, enjoy the music, meet wonderful people, and smile til my face hurts for the hundred mile ride home. 💜

[@dbelew]

Southeastern is the best album I bought in 2013. And that is saying something considering Sam Baker's "Say Grace" also came out as did Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis' "Cheater's Game". Great year for this type of music.

[@clutchmick36]

i'll second that, great disc. got to see him last month in philly, awesome show

[@natewhelden4463]

this is such a fine set, sound so good. best songwriter of our generation. thanks for sharing G&GM!

[@g.j.haycock1064]

I miss THIS Jason!! This was his very very best era. Where has THIS Jason gone...?

[@rainwatercasey]

No where, where have you gone? Just listen

[@MrLeeroy1129]

This music makes me feel good feeling a little low....I just dig it a lot...I look forward to putting on the earphones and getting lost in the words and the music..good stuff..

[@elchiponr1]

I can really relate to this. I've had my share of alcohol abuse and this guy can really describe the fucked up feelings that leaves, and make it into something beautiful (and sad).

[@elchiponr1]

+Bryan Snyder you'll be okay dude

[@elchiponr1]

+elchiponr1 i hope :)

[@jasonmoore4]

I LOVE THIS DUDE

[@TheCaithleen]

Love the flow in time with the backgrounds winds!!!! Awesome stunning

[@richardcampbell8498]

Amazing talent! Wow! Special guy! Cheers Jason!

[@hockeytownfranky]

absolutely made my year so far.....

[@willthompson864]

It’s crazy how different he looks now and then

[@FallNorth]

He stopped drinking. I think that explains it so much. I'm not a booze hound, but I'm his age, and even one heavy night on the booze, I look like bloated sh1t :(

[@not1fromyourworld]

I'm incredibly proud Jason is from my home sweet home Alabama and the entire 400 unit and DBT family is the greatest buncha preformers I've ever had the pleasure to listen to ,. Roll Tide till the end ,

[@ZekesPhoto]

Another American treasure. Collaboration with Jeffrey Foucalt could be heart/soul bending. The poignancy and deftness of his lyrics combined with his none too measured music is majestic. Thank you Jason for not surrendering to the junkies siren.

[@robusti82]

Garden & Gun, Thanks for posting this. Well done.

[@dkjazzz]

Thanks Garden & Gun for bringing this to us!! Very well done! Jason is amazing

[@lenspin14]

excellent Jason...enjoyed much!

[@wallsfarmpictures]

This fella knocks me out.

[@edlegette9753]

great performance!

[@texasplumr]

There is nobody better. He has no peers, really. I'm 67 and Dylan was indeed the voice of my generation but Jason gives me hope. I'm such a fucking fanboy! He writes about every topic, no matter how controversial.

[@phillipramplin1203]

Bravely political just seen him and the 400 Unit in Sydney blew me away fellow fanboy haha

[@timrobinson5889]

Jason lives on a plain where great writers seldom visit.. This is not my quote but it is 100% ACCURATE

[@adaml3297]

absolutely amazing song writer.

[@byglenn]

Just seen him in Leeds UK awesome concert a genuis

[@WoodyONeal]

Vastly underrated singer. Gigs like this prove that.

[@nikkiwood2323]

Loved every song

[@nomadjeff1922]

Just got my tickets for Jason & the 400 Unit in Mobile,AL @ the Saenger Theater, 26 September. It's going to be a great summer! Tedeschi/Trucks on the 5th of July @ The Wolf Trap in Virginia, Don McLean on the 6th @ the Ramshead in Annapolis, with a Washington Nationals (Braves) game on the 5th of July. Nothing like great music, fireworks and baseball.

[@jasonmoore4]

jason youre such a great songman

[@trondt916]

Outstanding!

[@willhorne76]

The is the best stuff ever. Jason's really amazing.

[@ThePorchSessionsMS]

We are huge fans of Garden and Gun and of course Jason Isbell. We would love to film some musicians on the porch with Garden and Gun! Lets make it happen. Thanks for all that you do.

[@bbkiii6712]

Jason Isbell is still in his element. Please don't stop! Hope to see you somewhere in 2019 on the tour with FJM. Come back to Iowa City...

[@mississippilive]

Amazing songwriter.

[@sheltondk43]

Beautiful music, beautiful setting!

[@lardog112]

Thank you

[@WoodyONeal]

Unapologetically, willingly plays for 25 or 25,000...don’t matter. Witnessing music history folks, pay attention.

[@tomc.3987]

Beautiful.

[@toterola451]

Freakin' AMAZING analysis! Great job!

[@gypsy4460]

love this man

[@Westernerd1]

No words. Beautiful. He's one of the best. Keep that boy warm and clean Amanda. Peace. Pete Day

[@WoodyONeal]

Live Oak has that Gordon Lightfoot “Edmond Fitzgerald“ vibe

[@SteffieEhm]

Oh this is so good!!

[@joeymartin4964]

To battmuha, amazing quote and great place to put it

[@brianrobison5871]

Anyone that can make benzodiazepines fit into their lyrics is a good song writer.

[@sethlockard9802]

I’m guessing it’s the only time it appears in a song. This man is a giant

[@tgaume]

Would love to see him do a straight acoustic show and have the Milk Carton Kids open for him. That would be an awesome show I'd pay big $ to see.

[@willyfix007]

So good 🙌

[@rdcoons]

Love this performance!

[@BillGoodman76]

Watching this make me realize how much weight he's lost. He's certainly an inspiration.

[@shaunkerr902]

In his 30s he quit drinking & 4 yrs later looks phenomenal. #priorities

[@VincentVader]

This is awesome

[@jasonmassey9495]

should I keep my guns with the annuals or the perennials ?

[@JeffinBville]

All I know is that if you're not careful weeding you'll come back in two weeks with machine guns all over the place.

[@susanallen4160]

Jason Massey. Now that’s funny and very witty. 😂

[@Brettagher]

Jason Isbell featured on Garden and Gun... it just seems so random. But I dig it.

[@bluejay3945]

I wish I could afford Jason for a front porch concert. My wife would be in heaven. I keep hoping his tour bus breaks down on the road in front of us and he is kind enough to play Streetlights for us in exchange for a few sodas and chips

[@CSchaef02]

Has he and Sarah Jarosz ever played music together? I could see how that would be an amazing pair.

[@indiecalms]

Great artist. Just got turned on to him by Marc Marron on his WTF podcast. Seems like a real genuine guy.

[@bitterbastard80]

Recently hung with him and his band and Amanda. The are the real deal. TERRIFIC people. Great to see great talent that are very nice and genuine. I wish him and her both much success. To me they deserve more widespread success.

[@Jesterstone]

I Wish This Was My Back Yard Porch

[@dupreeblues4744]

Austin City Limits show was fucking great ! this guy and his wife are legit

[@kimsmith6203]

Love!!

[@markcarraway3029]

most definitely a new fan!

[@ggforeigner]

very nice ... thank you !!

[@colt7618]

Wow. I'm in awe.