Review: Justin Townes Earle / Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at High Noon Saloon, April 16, 2009

Justin Townes Earle (yes, he is related to Steve Earle and yes he was named after the great Townes Van Zandt, a hero of his father) was in town Thursday evening to give yet another spellbinding performance at the High Noon Saloon. With a distinctly unique voice that is warm and smooth, yet conveying the youth and energy that grace his performances, JT Earle delivers a refreshing take on the Nashville sound with his version of folk, acoustic blues and American roots music. With Justin as the opening act before Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit took stage, the hour long set left me wanting more.

Deliverance had to wait a while, as I took in Isbell and his crew’s set before heading home to enjoy Justin Townes Earle’s latest release Midnight at the Movies (out on Bloodshot records) on my stereo. His song writing and music convey nuances that capture and deliver vignettes from the American landscape, starting with the title track, through classic Delta blues “They Killed John Henry” and on down the road with “Halfway to Jackson”. I plan on picking up one of the limited edition LPs (only 2000 are being pressed, so hurry and get your copy).

Here’s where you can listen to this and other albums by Justin Townes Earle, download a track or two for free, and order the real deal: http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/midnight-movies. Meanwhile, enjoy these pictures from the show and make it a point to see him live!