Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Live at the Ryman — A Night of Pure Americana

Featuring Tonight’s Live Nuggets Radio Show: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – 10.13.2017 – Ryman Auditorium

On JamFest, where every song we play is the live version, we celebrate the magic of performances that can never be replicated in a studio. Tonight, we take you to a landmark night in modern Americana: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at the Ryman Auditorium on October 13, 2017.

This is more than a concert—it’s an experience. Every note, every lyric, every breath is captured in real time, bringing the energy, intimacy, and raw emotion of one of the most revered live acts of the past decade directly to your speakers.

The Ryman Auditorium: A Stage With History

Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville has hosted legends from Hank Williams to Emmylou Harris. By the time Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit stepped on stage on that October night, the venue had seen decades of musical milestones—but few acts deliver the combination of vulnerability, precision, and raw power that Isbell commands.

The room itself is legendary for its acoustics: every note resonates, every word carries, and every audience member becomes part of the performance. It’s a perfect match for JamFest, where we honor live recordings in their purest form.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit: An Evening of Authentic Storytelling

On October 13, 2017, Jason Isbell brought his band, The 400 Unit, to the Ryman for a night that showcased his growth as a songwriter and performer. Known for blending Americana, rock, and soul, Isbell’s music thrives on narrative, emotion, and musicianship—and it comes alive in a live setting.

The Band

• Jason Isbell – Guitar, Vocals: His voice, a mix of grit and tenderness, guides the evening. Each lyric feels like a conversation with the audience, and his guitar work balances melodic clarity with soulful texture.

• Amanda Shires – Fiddle, Vocals: Adds hauntingly beautiful harmonies and violin lines that cut through the arrangements with elegance and edge.

• Jimbo Hart – Bass: Anchors the rhythm section with precision and warmth.

• Chad Gamble – Drums: Subtle, intricate, and deeply musical, shaping dynamics that lift every song.

• Derry deBorja – Keyboards: Adds lush textures that fill out the band’s sonic landscape.

Highlights from the 10.13.2017 Ryman Performance

• Emotional Depth: Songs like “If We Were Vampires” and “Elephant” hit hard live, giving fans a chance to experience the raw emotional core of Isbell’s storytelling.

• Band Chemistry: Every member interacts effortlessly, creating arrangements that feel alive and spontaneous. Solos are stretched just enough to highlight their virtuosity without sacrificing songcraft.

• Audience Connection: The Ryman crowd becomes part of the music. Applause, laughter, and reactions are woven into the recording, preserving the authenticity of the night.

This concert demonstrates why live performances are often more powerful than the studio versions—every song breathes, shifts, and evolves depending on the room and the moment. And that’s exactly the spirit we celebrate on JamFest.

Tonight’s Live Nuggets Radio Show: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Tune in tonight for the Live Nuggets Radio Show on JamFest, where we bring you the entire 10.13.2017 performance from the Ryman Auditorium. Expect:

• Extended live arrangements that explore and expand the songs beyond the studio versions

• Intimate storytelling that captures Isbell’s connection with his audience

• Unfiltered live energy from a band at the top of their craft

As always, on JamFest, every note you hear is the live version—real, unpolished, and full of the electricity that only comes from a true live performance.

Why JamFest Is the Home of Real Live Music

At JamFest, we celebrate the unrepeatable moments of music history. Our philosophy is simple:

No studio tricks. No retakes. No overdubs. Every track is the live version.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at the Ryman Auditorium is the perfect example of why live recordings matter. The audience, the energy, and the subtle imperfections all combine to create a musical experience that feels immediate, human, and unforgettable.

Join Us Tonight

Don’t miss tonight’s Live Nuggets Radio Show, featuring Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit in their full 2017 Ryman Auditorium glory. Five hours of pure Americana, rock, and heartfelt storytelling await, reminding us why live music has a power that recordings alone can never match.

On JamFest, the music isn’t just played — it comes alive.