Will Hoge & Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Despite the fact that I could barely walk yesterday (I threw out my back again) we went out to the Will Hoge & Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit show at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville last night. I think this redefines what it means to be a dedicated fan. Seriously, I had trouble getting in and out of the car, and then standing on my feet for four hours for a rock show…? There are those who pretend to enjoy live music, who would much rather chat with their friends and really only go for the beer and night out on the town. Then there is me, putting up with increasing pain in my lower back just to check out a couple of bands I have never seen live before.

As expected, both Will and Jason put on an amazing show! I think they have been taking turns closing each show on their “co-headlining” tour. Being that Nashville is Will’s home town, it was only appropriate that he closed last night’s show. He played for over two hours and ended the night with a cover of the The Faces classic, “Ooh La La.” The only bad part was the idiot who literally stood on my feet the whole night. There was clearly three or four feet of space in front of him that he could have moved into. During every song this guy would regurgitate some comment or fact about the band to his friend who was also practically standing on my feet. If you are that big of a fan, just shut up and listen to the music.

While I would definitely call Will Hoge’s music rock (whatever rock means these days), here is a live version of “The Highway’s Home,” which is a country flavored song and one of my favorite tracks from his newest album, “Draw the Curtains.” I’ve always thought that a good rock band can do country better than just about any new country band can.

Will Hoge - “The Highway’s Home”

This was recorded at WFPK in Louisville, KY on 9/28/2007

Photo Credit: Drew Gurian