Jason Isbell/Widowspeak

Jason Isbell has a way with words and the six strings of his soulful guitar. He wrote and performed with the Drive-By Truckers from 2001 to 2007, a stint that informs much of his later songwriting. All along, his voice has grown and branched outward. His latest release, Southeastern, streamlines his Alabama roots and distills the result into a robust and all-encompassing package. Isbell’s signature drawl and inflections are on display throughout the album, but give “Elephant” a listen for a glimpse into his terrific use of dynamics and powerfully emotional lyrics. Likewise, “Songs That She Sang in the Shower” is just one of those tunes you can lose yourself in (there’s the hypnotic melody, the reflective narrative, the ghostly keys, etc.). Before hitting tonight’s intimate show, you’d do well to jump in the truck and chase down the evening’s waning moon along I-77 with Isbell’s defiant voice loping from the stereo. Be sure to get back to Akron by show time. (Eric Sandy)