Two-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell opens his sold-out show at House Of Blues Boston with a searing version of his blues-rock song "Palmetto Rose." With lyrical references to the "Iodine State," "Sullivan's Island" and "bull**** stories 'bout the Civil War," Isbell plants listeners square on the sidewalks of Charleston, South Carolina, where street vendors hawk roses to tourists.
Watching Isbell's performance that February night, I was struck by how uncommon it is to hear Boston crowds sing along to choruses like "Alabama Pines" and, in general, bond with a musician so closely linked with Southern culture. But at the end of the night, it's all about appreciating great songs and storytelling.
SET LIST
Watch Jason Isbell's full Front Row session on WGBH.org.
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