Jason Isbell: Sirens of the Ditch (deluxe edition) 2×12″

Description

Sirens Of The Ditch, the 2007 solo debut from accomplished guitarist/songwriterJason Isbell, formerly of Drive By Truckers, isreissued with 4 unreleased tracks from the original recording sessionsand now clocks in at 15 songs. The album’s mystical quality can be partially attributed to the FAME recording studio (Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Otis Redding) in Isbell’s hometown of Muscle Shoals, AL where it was recorded. “A lot of old soul musicians came through here in the late ’60s and ’70s and helped define the Muscle Shoals sound,” the lifelong Alabamian explains, “so that influence was always in my environment, but on this record I really tried to capture that.”

Sirens Of The Ditchis a diverse collection that incorporates elements of rock, blues and soul music into a heartfelt mix of songs that favor piano and pedal steel over buzzing guitars although, don’t worry, there’s a fair share of overdriven amps as well. Co-produced by Isbell andPatterson Hood(DBT), it features Isbell singing lead vocals and playing guitar throughout, joined byShonna Tucker(formerly of DBT) on bass andBrad Morgan(DBT) on drums. Several musicians pop in for cameos as well includingSpooner OldhamandDavid Hood(Patterson s father) on “Down In A Hole,”John Neff(formerly of DBT) on “Dress Blues” and Patterson himself guests on “Shotgun Wedding.”