GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA
On Friday July 3rd, Jason Isbell will perform at Livingston Live, HWY 463 at HWY 22, with support from Holly Williams. This will be the second event of the summer concert series presented by Livingston Community Foundation and Baptist Health Clinic.
Isbell is an Alabama native, and both a product of his Northern Alabama roots and an example of how musical influences can help an artist evolve and mature. Born in Greenhill, Alabama, Isbell is undeniably inspired by the soul-tinged rock, country, and blues produced in neighboring Muscle Shoals. His sound continues to evolve but is equal parts loud and thoughtful, Southern and worldly. As a lyricist, Isbell is willing to tell the difficult stores, whether raw, introspective, messy, or poetic. As an artist, he reveals his own vulnerabilities—his successes and failures—that listeners might find kinship, or perspective. The Wall Street Journal writes, “A composer of splendidly crafted songs, he performs with an intensity that connects the listener to the deep and genuine emotions that inspire his work.”
His past albums include Sirens of the Ditch, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Here We Rest, and Live from Alabama. His most recent release, Southeastern, garnered significant critical acclaim. In 2014, Isbell earned three Americana Music Awards.
Hailing from one of the most famous lineages in American music would surely create challenges for most artists to create their own identity, but not for singer-songwriter Holly Williams. The granddaughter/daughter of Hank Williams, Sr. and Hank Williams, Jr. respectfully, makes her independence evident on her third studio album—The Highway—released on her own imprint, Georgiana Records, in 2013.
Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Williams embraced music by playing songs on the guitar and writing songs as a teenager.
Soon after, she started booking herself in nightclubs and hit the road driving her mother’s suburban across the country. In 2004, her debut album, The Ones We Never Knew, was released and she soon expanded her touring around the world opening for Keith Urban, John Hiatt, and John Prine. A near-fatal car accident with her sister Hilary two years later left the emerging songstress unsure if she would be able to play the guitar, but she was able to overcome her injuries and began playing and writing songs.
Holly says “coming from a family of so many creative talents is a reminder for me to always stay true to my artistic vision”. One of her heroes, Kris Kristofferson, has been singing her praises lately and is sometimes spotted on the side of the stage soaking up her story songs and intensely personal lyrics. He is enthralled with her songwriting and we are sure you will be too.
Tickets are on sale at www.ardenland.net. They will cost $25 advance, and $35 at the gate. Gates will open at 4 pm and music will begin at 6 pm. A fireworks show will follow the entertainment. For more information on Jason Isbell, visit his website, http://www.jasonisbell.com. 
–
Other links:
https://www.facebook.com/jasonisbellmusic
https://twitter.com/JasonIsbell
–
–
This article was printed in The Local Voice #231 (published June 11, 2015).
To download the PDF of this issue, click here.
