Newly-surfaced video shows a seventh grade Jason Isbell covering The Allman Brothers Band. The clip was originally shared by Southeastern Records and retweeted by Isbell.
Southeastern Records will release Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit‘s next album, Reunions, on May 15th. In the meantime, the label has already released the singles “Be Afraid“, “Only Children“, “What I’ve Done To Help“, and “Dreamsicle“.
The clip depicts what appears to be a junior high talent show where the entire audience is all dressed up, for whatever reason. Complete with tinsel and an MC using a microphone turned up way too high, this has all the hallmarks of a talent show that will never end. Luckily, Jason Isbell comes in to kick out the jams. Beginning with a little tease of The Black Crowes‘ “She Talks To Angels”, Isbell transitions smoothly into “Little Martha” by The Allman Brothers Band. The song, which appeared on 1972’s Eat A Peach, is the only one from the entire ABB catalog that was written solely by Duane Allman. Isbell gives the tender acoustic ballad some added flair with amplification and some slight distortion, no doubt delivering a brief respite to bored parents and students alike.
Watch a seventh grade Jason Isbell play “Little Martha” by The Allman Brothers Band.
Jason Isbell — “Little Martha” (The Allman Brothers Band)
When Isbell retweeted the video and said “I think this is the first time I ever played in public,” he also added “Hopefully I’ll do that again at some point.” As of now, Isbell and the 400 Unit are still set to kick off a tour in promotion of Reunions beginning on May 28th with a show at the Akron Civic Theatre in Ohio. Given the decimated state of live music due to COVID-19, however, those dates are likely subject to change. Visit Isbell’s website for any announcements, and check out the Live For Live Music concert cancellation tracker for daily updates on festivals, tours, and concerts.
I think this was the first time I ever played in public. Hopefully I’ll do that again at some point. Threw in a little Black Crowes before getting down to the @allmanbrothers seriousness. https://t.co/QTIdDDv9lI
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) May 4, 2020
[H/T Jambase]