January 23, 2026, we headed to Seattle for one of my favorite artists. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

The drive in was pretty easy for a Friday night. I got a chance to see my favorite view of Seattle- as you crest the hill from the south and see the whole city ahead of you.

I didn;t get any pictures from the show as the band requested no pictures or recording. Surprisingly, it appeared like most people honored that request.

They played at the iconic Paramount Theater. I was surprised with the number of old songs they pulled out of the catalogue as well as by the songs he didn’t play. Some of his more well known stuff didn’t make the cut and most of the songs that had heavily featured his ex-wife were dropped. Since he had the full band, many of his solo works took on a new feel. The biggest surprise, I think, was that he closed the night with a cover, Hurricane by Neil Young. Needless to say, they rocked it.

A few of the highlights were White Man’s Blues, Decoration Day, Super 8 Motel, Streetlights, Different Days, and one of my favorites, Miles. A funny little note: he mentioned that things have changed since his visit to the Tractor Tavern. I was at that show back in 2008, his first in Seattle after leaving Drive-by Truckers. I would say there were probably a couple hundred people, if that. I remember being able to walk right up to the stage to watch them play. He is right. Things have definitely changed between that night and this sold out two-night stand.

It was also the weekend that Seattle Seahawks played for the NFC Championship, so the city was alive with excitement. 12 flags and blue and green everywhere!