Briefs

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit

Date: Saturday, Sept. 15 w/ doors at 9 p.m.

Venue: Soul Kitchen (219 Dauphin St.) 433-5958, www.soulkitchenmobile.com

Tickets: $9 adv. /$12 day of, available at Soul Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom and 1-800-594-TIXX

Many fans of Drive-By Truckers were dismayed when guitarist Jason Isbell “amicably” departed from the band in April 2007. A few months later, Isbell released his debut solo effort “Sirens of the Ditch” on New West Records. Recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, Isbell recruited fellow Truckers Shonna Tucker (bass) and Brad Morgan (drums) with Patterson Hood and his father (David Hood) making cameos. Hood even leant a helping hand in the production aspects of this album. Spooner Oldham, who has played with everyone from Bob Dylan to Frank Black, also returned to FAME to round out this album’s all-star line-up.

The off-beat attitude that made the Drive-By Truckers attractive to fans can still be found in “Sirens of the Ditch.”

For example, the album kicks off with “Brand New Kind of Actress,” which is a ballad with overtones concerning the Spector/Clarkson murder. Isbell seems to delve deeper into the alt.country sound than the Drive-By Truckers, but “Sirens of the Ditch” also has more of a catchy pop feel to it at times with songs like “Chicago Promenade.”

The 400 Unit will be joining Isbell as he brings his sounds to the Port City.

Ronnie Milsap

Date: Thursday, September 20 at 8 p.m.

Venue: Saenger Theater (6 S. Joachim St.) www.mobilesaenger.com

Tickets: $35/$25/$15 (plus service charges) available at the Saenger Box Office and through Ticketmaster

Ronnie Milsap has never allowed his visual impairment to hinder his dreams. Born with congenital glaucoma, Milsap fell in love with music at the State School for the Blind in Raleigh, N.C. He admirably started his professional career playing with the legendary J.J. Cale and began a steady rise in popularity due to his success, writing songs for Ashford & Simpson. After becoming a session musician in Memphis, Milsap’s work could be heard in songs such as Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain.”

The ‘70s was Milsap’s decade. He drifted between the Adult Contemporary and Country charts with hit songs beginning with “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” Milsap continued with one hit song after another, while shaping a genre known as “Country Pop.” As of now, Milsap has had 40 number one country hits and continues to tour and create music. Currently, he is touring in support of his 2006 release “My Life.”

The Rundown

With Bayfest right around the corner, Mobile’s music festival is getting some soul with its latest artist additions. The beautiful Chaka Khan will seduce the crowd with her ethereal sounds when the soul diva headlines the Miller Lite Stage on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Another act that cannot be missed will be The Electric Experiment on the Launching Pad. This group is comprised of locals/Nappie Award winners Corky Hughes (guitar) and John Milham (drums) as well as bassist/singer/songwriter Christian Grizzard (Kung Fu Mama) and keyboardist Clint Parris. If you’re looking for serious jam, then this act is a requirement.

Also added to the line-up The Wallflowers, Blues Traveler, Flyleaf, Blue Oyster Cult, Bad Company and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Prine pleases

Any John Prine fan not in attendance at his recent performance at the Saenger should hate themselves. It’s always a pleasant surprise when an artist with an extensive repertoire pulls out their standard favorites. He regaled the crowd with songs of heartbroken swingers (performed with Iris DeMent and reformed strippers), and there were many illegal smiles singing along with this legendary musician.

The only complaint anyone had about the show was that the Saenger closed their bars just as Prine kicked off his set. With Beerfest in full effect outside the Saenger, the lack of alcohol during an artist such as Prine was a buzz kill, but Prine’s performance outshined this small complication.

Shadows shine

When GWAR invaded the Port City a couple of months ago, they brought along Massachusetts metal masters Shadows Fall. In the days leading up to the show, Soul Kitchen owner Brad Young claimed that there were more calls concerning Shadows Fall than GWAR. With the audience response Shadows Fall received, it’s no surprise that Shadows Fall will be returning to the Port City Sunday, Oct. 21. Joining Shadows Fall will be 3 Inches of Blood and Divine Heresy. Tickets are $15 in advance and available at the Soul Kitchen website, 1-800-594-TIXX and eventually at Mellow Mushroom.

Emo crew Wharf-bound

Mainstream emo poster children Fall Out Boy has been confirmed at The Wharf for Friday, Nov. 2 with gates at 7 p.m.. Joining Fall Out Boy is an all-star line-up including the Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T’s and Cute Is What We Aim For. Tickets are on sale now ($30/$27) through Ticketmaster and at The Amphitheater Box Office. With the radio play and popularity of these bands, this show should be a sell-out.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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