Two of the current elite songwriters working today made their way to the historically gorgeous Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY as Craig Finn and Jason Isbell held court. Both have new albums about to be released but took different approaches to their sets on this night.
Finn was up first and decided to showcase his new songs from his upcoming, yet titled, release. He had the help of a powerhouse new backing band consisting of Josh Kaufman on guitar, Jon Shaw on bass and the deft Joe Russo manning the kit. Finn’s last solo offering “Clear Heart Full Eyes” had a distinct southwestern, Austin, TX feel to it and by switching up players the new songs instantly leave that locale.
While the titles may change when the album comes out this summer, the band played a shuffling road song possibly called “Exodus” and a delicate guitar and brushes-on-snare work titled “Christine”. “Shadows” had some big toms and lyrics that were scattered like spores before Finn told an engaging intro to a song about his 9/11 experience called “Neidermeyer’s Roof”. Like all The Hold Steady albums Finn ended things with a big dramatic offering titled “Trapper Avenue”, closing out an exciting opening set for any fan of lyrical rock and roll.
Jason Isbell took the stage with his normal backing buddies The 400 Unit, but minus his wife/violinist Amanda Shires who is expecting the couple’s first child. Unlike Finn, Isbell decided to hold off on most of his soon to be released offerings and play almost all of his award winning Southeastern and some older cuts.
The Unit was in drum tight form as they opened with the duel power of “Stockholm” and “Flying Over Water” before dipping back to the Here We Rest closer “Tour of Duty”. The newest offering “24 Frames” was accentuated by some excellent slide guitar work before the twang got amped for southern jams “Decoration Day” and “Alabama Pines”.
“Cover Me Up” received one of the biggest ovations of the night while “Elephant” tugged at the heart strings. Two of the best tracks from Isbell’s Drive By Trucker days showed up to close the set and start the encore with “Outfit” and “Danko/Manuel” respectively but the band seemed to be turning it up a notch to end the night via Neil Young’s “Like A Hurricane” that had energy booming right off the bat. A killer cover of an all-time great, performed to close out a night of two performers who are well down that same path.
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Seen him live recently at the very excellent Florida Theater in Jacksonville. Lifetime concert. What i didn’t expect and was so pleased to see, he’s an excellent guitarist. Real genius…He is what country should be. Raw, powerful writing…Only person who is his equal is Lucinda Williams.