Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
The Boss apparently thinks Jason Isbell is, well, boss.
On Jan. 15 National Public Radio posted an interview with Bruce Springsteen, speaking the NPR pop music critic Ann Powers to promote his 18th studio album, “High Hopes,” on their website.
About 57 minutes into the 78-minute interview, Springsteen singles out Isbell, the Shoals native and Nashville singer/songwriter, for some props. “‘Travelling Alone’ Jason Isbell,” Springsteen told NPR, referring to a ballad on Isbell’s critically lauded 2013 LP “Southeastern.” “I believe he was a part of the Drive-By Truckers. He’s got a lovely record album out himself.”
Springsteen spoke of Isbell after Powers asked Springsteen about recording the songs of artists he influenced, specifically Australian band The Saints, whose tune “Just Like Fire Would” he covers on “High Hopes.”
“Everyone steals from everyone else,” Springsteen said. “And stealing well is … There’s a genius to it. I can hear groups that have been influenced by us, but they’re themselves, who do beautiful work.
“They take it to another place; they take it to a place you wouldn’t have taken it. That’s what you hope for when you’re playing, you hope someone hears your voice, is interested in what you’re doing and then gathers whatever they think might be of value in it and then moves it on down the line.”
While Springsteen may not have recorded any Isbell cuts yet (that we know of), the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer made a point to “plug some people here because I love their records” during his NPR chat.
This list included Huntsville native and currently Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Matthew Houck’s project Phosphorescent, about whom Springsteen said, “I like what he does.” Other lesser-known-in-the-mainstream acts Springsteen mentioned include Gaslight Anthem, Against Me!, Slim Dunlap, Kristina Train, Bonnie Prince Billy and Yo La Tengo.
During the NPR interview, Springsteen also discussed how his life “was ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ with a happy ending,” seminal punk-rockers The New York Dolls, how his singing has evolved as he’s gotten older and working with Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
Jason Isbell is currently on tour with his band The 400 Unit, with upcoming shows including Charlotte, N.C. (Jan. 16), Augusta, Ga. (Jan. 20), and Knoxville, Tenn. (Jan. 21).
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PBS premiered Isbell’s episode of “Austin City Limits” premiered on Jan. 11 .
More: jasonisbell.com
Matt Wake has been an al.com staff writer since 2012, focusing on music, food and entertainment. He’s also written for outlets including Rolling Stone, SPIN, Billboard, LA Weekly, Guitar World, Revolver, Metal…
