‘Catch of the Day’ – Jason Isbell – “Something More Than Free” [AUDIO]

Today the focus is on a singer and songwriter from Green Hill, Alabama, who learned early in his songwriting career that his personal life is a good place to draw from when writing. He also learned the value of his roots, and that a loss isn't necessarily a negative, more of an experience to learn from.

Jason Isbell learned to play guitar and sing at an early age by his grandfather and uncle, and by age 6 was not only sufficient on that instrument, but could also carry his weight on the mandolin. By high school, Isbell had not only mastered the instruments, but also added trumpet and french horn to his repertoire and had begun writing his own songs as well. One of his first finished songs was called "Children of Children" which he wrote about his mother, Angela, who was 17 at the time of Jason's birth, and the heartache of the divorce of his parents.

Isbell began performing at age 14 in a local country cover band that included his friend, songwriter Chris Tompkins. The band was good enough that it occasionally played the Grand Ole Opry, Jason appearing on the stage of the Opry for the first time at age 16. After graduating high school, Isbell attended the University of Memphis to study English and creative writing.

In 2001, after leaving school, Isbell would join the local band Drive-By Truckers, after sitting in with the group one night when the group's guitarist didn't show up for a show. The group would release three albums with Isbell, who left the group amicably in 2007; he would release his debut solo album, Sirens of the Ditch later the same year. He has since released four more solo albums, the most recent being Something More Than Free, which was released in July of 2015.

The long road Isbell has taken to country music success has often been derailed by his own excesses. A tattoo on his left arm contains the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song, reminding him about the idea of salvaging things, that for him it evokes the idea of loss, as well as learning and growing from the experience. In 2012, Isbell's wife, manager and band members performed an intervention, urging Isbell to enter treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. His 2013 album Southeastern, reflected his newfound sobriety.

2015 was a very important year for Isbell. His most recent album was released in July, and in September, he and wife Amanda Shires welcomed an addition to their family, daughter Mercy Rose. The title track from the album is in our spotlight today. Jason Isbell and "Something More Than Free" is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.