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On 4th October, ‘Live From The Ryman Vol. 2’, the highly anticipated new live album from six-time Grammy Award winner Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. The album captures the magic of the band’s sold-out shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, recorded over four of the last six years by longtime front-of-house engineer, Cain Hogsed. The album’s first two live singles, ‘King Of Oklahoma’ and ‘This Ain’t It’, are now available on all digital platforms, giving fans a taste of the electrifying performances that have made Isbell and his band legendary at the Ryman. Hogsed co-produced the album with Isbell and mixed the tracks with Nashville’s Todd Tidwell. ‘Live From The Ryman Vol. 2’ features 15 live versions of songs from the band’s critically acclaimed albums ‘Reunions’ (2022) and ‘Weathervanes’ (2023). It also includes a powerful rendition of ‘The Last Song I Will Write’ from Isbell’s 2009 self-titled release and a poignant cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Room at the Top’. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit’s ‘Weathervanes’ won two 2023 Grammy Awards for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song (‘Cast Iron Skillet’). Produced by Isbell and released in June 2023, the album is a mature exploration of themes like adult love, change, nostalgia, cruelty, regret, and redemption. ‘Weathervanes’ received widespread critical acclaim, landing on numerous Albums of the Year lists, including MOJO, Uncut, and Classic Rock, and praised by publications such as The Times and Record Collector. Since their first performance at the Ryman in 2014, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit have sold out over 50 shows at the venue. This October, Isbell is set to add to that tally with another eight-night residency at the Ryman, with tickets still available for those eager to experience the band’s electrifying live performances. Isbell, a native of North Alabama, has solidified his reputation as one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. Known for his deeply personal and emotionally resonant lyrics, Isbell’s songs capture the everyday human condition with a mix of thoughtful, heartfelt, and often brutally honest storytelling. He first gained widespread recognition with his 2013 album ‘Southeastern’, followed by ‘Something More Than Free’ (2015) and ‘The Nashville Sound’ (2017), both of which won Grammy Awards for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song. Isbell’s 2020 album, ‘Reunions’, showcased the artist and his band at their creative peak and was the subject of the documentary ‘Running With Our Eyes Closed’ by filmmaker Sam Jones. Beyond music, Isbell recently made his acting debut as Bill Smith in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated film ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, which won the 2024 SAG Award for Cast in a Motion Picture. Isbell’s time on set with Scorsese influenced his approach to creating ‘Weathervanes’, particularly his understanding of collaboration and execution in artistic processes. Reflecting on his experience, Isbell said, “It definitely helped when I got into the studio. I had this reinvigorated sense of collaboration. You can have an idea and you can execute it and not compromise—and still listen to the other people in the room.” ‘Live From The Ryman Vol. 2’ promises to be a testament to the exceptional live performances of Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, capturing the essence of their shows at one of the most revered venues in the world. Fans can look forward to an album that not only highlights the band’s musical prowess but also reflects Isbell’s growth as a songwriter and artist.     To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

The Americana duo, A Tale Of Two, comprised of award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitar virtuoso Aaron Lessard, is gearing up for the release of their debut album, ‘Renegade,’ on 4th October 2024. Known for their captivating blend of Americana, country, and blues, the pair has drawn comparisons to artists like Tom Waits, The Lone Bellow, and Ray LaMontagne, while paying homage to the timeless sounds of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Sr. Critics have praised the duo’s distinctive sound, with Americana Highways noting, “The whine and grit in this duo’s vocals are gripping and noticeably timeless.” Americana-UK added, “It is inspiring to hear a Nashville band with old-time songs and genuine talent.” Produced by Jon Estes (known for his work with John Paul White and Mary Bragg) at Jon Estes’ Studios, ‘Renegade’ features an impressive lineup of Nashville’s top musicians, including Billy Contreras and Elizabeth Estes on fiddle, Jamie Dick and Ross McReynolds on percussion, and Jon Estes himself on bass and various other instruments. All songs on the album were written by Adlington and Lessard, except for a rendition of Tom Waits’ ‘Gun Street Girl.’ The album’s first single and title track, ‘Renegade,’ is already available, delivering a powerful sound with pounding drums that mimic the rush of a train hurtling down the tracks. The song captures the rugged spirit of Appalachian landscapes, reflecting a shift in how music can transcend boundaries. Beyond the title track, ‘Renegade’ showcases the duo’s musical versatility. ‘The Devil Did The Deed’ channels the spirit of Johnny Cash’s ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ with its bluesy swagger, telling the tale of two lovers’ doomed journey. A softer side of A Tale Of Two shines through in ‘By The Light Of The Moon,’ a hauntingly romantic track about a love that transcends life and death. Adlington explains, “It’s a romantic and poignant song about a love that transcends life and death. The narrator reflects on moments with their beloved, who is now a ghost. They remember dancing under the stars and feeling deeply connected.” Over the past four years, A Tale Of Two has made waves across the Americana scene, capturing the attention of audiences at notable events such as the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and the iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville. Their inclusion as official showcase artists for AmericanaFest 2024, SERFA 2024, and Folk Alliance International 2022 further solidifies their rising status in the folk and Americana genres. With ‘Renegade,’ A Tale Of Two is poised to make a significant mark, blending old-time storytelling with a fresh, contemporary sound that is as timeless as it is new.   To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com