On February 27, Jason Isbell rolled into Rochester to play an intimate show at Kodak Center. Named after the photo giant that was founded there many moons ago, the Kodak Center offers a beautiful stage that Isbell and his band, 400 Unit, partied on for the crowd of roughly 1900 fans.
Opening the show for Isbell, was Palehound, fronted by El Kempner. They took the stage for roughly an hour and hit some amazing sounds, very reminiscent of Hole, Mazzy Star, or Eve’s Plumb. Kempner, along with Zoe Brecher (drums), Larz Brogan (bass) and Beth (guitar) filled the theatre with subtle lyrics as fans shuffled to their seats.
Playing through original songs such as “Fadin,” “Bullshit,” and “Good Sex,’ Kempner recalled her last visit to Rochester as they played Bug Jar. Talking about how they are fiscally responsible when they travel, she tells of a friend who set them up with accommodations for their visit. A friend of a friend of a friend scenario. Upon arriving at apartment, they were set up with, the band found an empty apartment with 10 air mattresses. Perfect for those who might want to sleep on the floor but aren’t quite committed yet.
Shortly before 9, Jason Isbell and 400 Unit hit the stage to a very welcoming crowd. Starting off with “Save the World”, a song that the sends a very poignant message about the world we live in. While not a very uplifting song, Isbell brought some energy and positive vibes throughout the nearly 2 hour show.
The 400 Unit consists of Sadler Vaden (guitar, vocals), Anna Butterss (bass), Derry deBorja (Keys, accordion, vocals), Chad Gamble (drums, vocals), and Will Johnson (drums, guitar, vocals, gong)
Using his own personal experiences, Isbell has had pretty good success with songwriting, as he has won six of the seven Grammys he has been nominated for. Most recently, the 2023 Weathervanes album won the band a grammy for Best American Roots Song (“Cast Iron Skillet”) and album.
Reflecting on events in the news has also been an inspiration for music. “24 Frames” was one of the more mellow songs played in Rochester. While there is catchy beat to the song, the lyrics are what make you stop and think. Think about life and how it can change in the blink of an eye.
And this is how you make yourself call your mother
24 Frames – Jason Isbell
And this is how you make yourself closer to your brother
Remember him back when he was small enough to help you sing
The song was written back in 2015 after Jason had heard of a young girl being killed by stray bullet while playing in own yard. These are things you don’t think of, but artists like Jason Isbell will write a song about.
Adding commentary between songs, Isbell talks about how he has enjoyed his visit to Rochester, saying that he had some stuffed mussels and a patty melt for lunch. It’s odd combination, but to each their own. He went on to talk about the music stores he checked out and found a nice old amplifier.
Coming out for a much-deserved encore, Isbell took center stage for an acoustic version of “Cover Me Up”. This bone chilling song was the opening track to his 2013, Southeastern album and originally written for his now ex wife, Amanda Shires, and his confessing his love for her. In a 2013 NPR interview, he said “…it was hard one to get through, even after not breaking down the first time…”
So girl, leave your boots by the bed, we ain’t leavin’ this room
‘Til someone needs medical help or the magnolias bloom
It’s cold in this house and I ain’t goin’ out to chop wood
So cover me up and know you’re enough to use me for good
Following the acoustic rendition, the band joined Isbell on stage and finished the encore with “Miles” and “This Ain’t It”. A perfect set to end an amazing evening of Americana Roots.
Setlist: Save the World, King of Oklahoma, Strawberry Woman, Last of My Kind, Super 8, Something More Than Free, Overseas, Speed Trap Town, Alabama Pines, Stockholm, When We Were Close, White Beretta, Honeysuckle Blue, Cast Iron Skillet, 24 Frames, If We Were Vampires, Cover Me Up, Miles, This Ain’t It
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