By photojournalist Dan Fernandez, DDJF Workshops: Photography & Multi-Media
On April 8, 2025, Ruth Eckerd Hall hosted an unforgettable evening as Jason Isbell And the 400 Unit took the stage for a dynamic concert that showcased the rich tapestry of Americana, folk, and southern rock. With no opening act to dilute the anticipation, the full focus was on Isbelll—a singer, songwriter and actor lauded as one of the most gifted songsmiths of his generation. As if the group’s performance was not enough to charm concertgoers, the reason for the change of date from the April 10th to April 8th likely will. Why is that? Because Isbell refused to miss the one week run of his only daughter’s school play of course.
Isbell, previously a member of the band Drive-By Truckers, has managed to turn a tumultuous early career haunted by far too many late nights into a success both with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit as well as his solo act. If you are unfamiliar with Isbell’s fascinating and inspiring life story, I’d recommend giving it a study.
When the lights dimmed, just before the band came out on stage an announcement in Isbell’s voice was made asking concertgoers to holster their cell phones in favor of an intimate and truly connected setting. With his poignant songwriting and soulful performance leading the way the frontman proved that we don’t need dozens of cell phone photos and videos to remember a transformative night of music. This night would live in our memories and our memories alone, making the experience that much more special.
As Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit took the stage it was clear that from the onset that the audience would be treated to a meticulously curated setlist that featured a mix of hits ranging from his solo work, tracks from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and even a nod to his past with a Drive-By Truckers cover. While this tour was in support of recent albums, “Weathervanes” (2023) and “Foxes in the Snow” (2025), fans were taken along for a profound ride through Isbell’s discography, from early to current. The set began with the stirring rendition of “Crimson and Clay,” immediately setting a captivating tone for the night. From there, Isbell continued to take the crowd on an exhilarating journey with “Stockholm” and “Flying Over Water,” seamlessly blending new material with beloved classics. Each song was delivered with an authenticity that resonated deeply and noticeably with the everyone in the auditorium.
The Peaks of the night included fan favorite and all too relatable coming of age ballad “Last of My Kind” followed by “Gravelweed,” a song that encapsulates Isbell’s knack for storytelling, and “If We Were Vampires,” a moving reflection on love and mortality that left many in the attendance clutching the one next to them. The momentum surged when Isbell performed “Decoration Day,” a Drive-By Truckers cover, giving us a nod to his roots while eliciting cheers and applause from fans of the early 2000’s band.
As the concert progressed, the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. The crowd swayed and sang along during “Hope the High Road” and “Middle of the Morning,” but it was the final portion of the set that truly shook the house to its foundation. By the time Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit launched into “Cast Iron Skillet” and “This Ain’t It,” the audience was thoroughly engaged and up on their feet, fully immersed in the moment.
The night culminated in a powerful encore featuring “Ride to Robert’s,” “True Believer” (the heart breaking story of love lost and the perseverance of the human condition to believe that through all of the pain love is still something to seek out, to have and to hold, to find and to keep close), Isbell then closed the show with “King of Oklahoma,” which left the concert hall near literally rocking with every soul in Ruth Eckerd Hall out of their seats and up on their feet. Isbell’s ability to weave together themes of struggle, love, and resilience with an impressive musicality ensured that concertgoers walked away from the event truly moved, a testament to Isbell’s artistry and capacity to connect closely with fans. As the evening came to a close it was clear that we were not just spectators, but participants in a shared experience that we would carry with us long after the final note faded.
