“I want to go out and play these songs by myself and it sound as close to this as possible,” Jason Isbell explains to Gena Johnson, co-producer, in Well Welch’s documentary about the recording of “Foxes in the Snow.” Documenting the Isbell’s process making of the album, the above-mentioned film is called “Feel Real Good” and is available to stream here. It is a good starting place to understand Jason’s thought process for my album of 2025, Foxes in the Snow.
To comment on this album is to understand Isbell’s mindset. He, it seems, intended to remove all possible barriers between himself and the audience. On February 18, Suzanne and I saw Jason at this solo show after the release of his new song “Bury Me” and 17 days shy of the release of the album. “Bury Me” starts with an unaccompanied vocal for the first verse. It feels vulnerable and emotional. It is a definite standout on the album. This was a stunningly refined solo performance with Jason dressed in black and delivering devastating song after devastating song to the audience’s rapt attention.
Jason has the ability to write song that cut through to the core of the listener. Long ago, he did this with “Elephant” and has continued it with “We Were Vampires” and “Cast Iron Skillet.” Such songs have a deep emotional resonance. On Foxes in the Snow, Jason has managed to capture this devastating effect not once, but twice. The raw emotion of “Eileen,” an ode to the ending of his marriage, included such a line as “My own behavior was a shock to me.” Such a vulnerable line induces a visceral reaction in the listener. The second of the pair is “Gravelweed” where he explains, “I was a gravelweed and I needed you to raise me.” Both tracks offer a moving approach to each partner’s flaws as laid bare in a tragic relationship coming to an end.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/saturday-sessions-jason-isbell-performs-eileen
Finally, the album offers more rewards to the patient listener. The closing track, “Wind Behind the Rain,” is an example of the simplicity of Jason’s playing. His soulful voice croons to the object of his affection. Is it Amanda? Is it someone else? “If you leave me now, I’ll just come running after you. I’ll be the wind behind the rain,” Isbell sings before the riff. It’s a song so heartfelt you feel the longing in it during each chorus.
Isbell’s ability to reinvent the acoustic ballad in his own new way is both unexpected and expected. Isbell’s restless reinvention is expected but his methods are not. This album is as cathartic as they come, and I thank Jason for his bravery in sharing it with the world.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.