Jason Isbell w/ Alejandro Escovedo at Wolf Trap
It was the perfect night for the perfect show, if you are an Americana music lover. It was a cool, breezy, early September night on the grassy knolled venue outdoor amphitheatre in Northern Virginia. Wolf Trap is a National Park designated for Performing Arts, which also includes over 2 miles of hiking trails, for those who need a refresh. It was within this welcoming setting that the night unfolded.
Jason has been making a pretty incredible circuit – playing at the DNC recently (“Something More Than Free”) and coming off a heavy touring year and festival season, and that following last year’s celebrations of Killers of the Flower Moon and his widely acclaimed Weathervanes album. But this night belonged to his fans, and it was an intimate vibe with quite a few tears shed as Jason and the band played in the dim natural light of the Virginia park.
About six songs into the set, when he launched into “Super 8,” the crowd was up on their feet, settling the “sit vs stand” controversy for the night. “Live Oak” was much appreciated, and “Something More Than Free” was a nice echo – his song choice for the DNC with its tale of someone struggling alone, and “just lucky to have the work.”
“Overseas” provided lumps in the throat and people winced, as did the relatable, soaring “Middle of the Morning,” songs that pack emotional wallops. As do they all. Jason introduced the band members each in turn before and after select songs.
At times toward the end of the show, Jason would throw guitar picks into the audience, and there were extended jams with Sadler with the two trading leads seamlessly, notably during “Miles,” which has turned out to be the extended jam crowing jewel of the show, with that incredible breakdown in the middle. They duet soloed again on “This Ain’t It,” trading licks back and forth for a good long time and it was hot, hot, hot!
During “Vampires,” and again during “Cover Me Up” couples put their arms around each other and the crowd exploded in gratitude cheering when the songs drew to their closes, with some people making heart signs with their hands up over their head, and everyone feeling the love: may we get 40 years together with Jason.
Between the two monster love songs, “This Ain’t It” had the crowd smiling and dancing like they all know someone in the wrong situation. The energy stayed honed, and down to the last encore, the painful cries of “King of Oklahoma,” fans stayed open and riveted. It was a cathartic and satisfying experience all round.
Alejandro Escovedo’s opening set was fire. The mysterious man in black with the hat brim shadowing his face cut a significant figure. He played some songs from his new album, along with the hit “Castanets” (“I like her better when she walks away.”). The crowd help utmost respect for Alejandro and listened with clear enjoyment.
Find Jason’s tour dates and more http://www.jasonisbell.com
Alejandro’s website is here: https://www.alejandroescovedo.com
Enjoy alternate coverage of this show here: Interview and Show Review: Alejandro Escovedo on Theater, Opening for Jason Isbell at Wolf Trap, and More
Check out our previous coverage here: Show Review: Jason Isbell at Brown’s Island in Richmond in August
Set List:
(Glen Campbell song)
When We Were Close
Stockholm
Flying Over Water
Strawberry Woman
The Life You Chose
Super 8
Live Oak
Alabama Pines
Something More Than Free
Overseas
Middle of the Morning
Miles
If We Were Vampires
24 Frames
This Ain’t It
Cover Me Up
Encore:
Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
Cast Iron Skillet
King of Oklahoma
