It was an evening of pure, solo-acoustic sound and songs at the Peabody Opera House last night with Ryan Adams and opener Jason Isbell.

It's been said before, but I don't mind repeating it: John Prine is a national treasure.

If you've listened to my show, Bittersweet Melody, you know that Drive-by Truckers are one of my favorite bands. No one band represents the South in today's rock world more than Drive-by Truckers.

On the opening track "Alabama Pines" from his new album Jason Isbell laments, "No one gives a damn about the things I give a damn about." The faithful that came out to see the impressive 32-year-old Alabama songwriter certainly did give a damn.

Southern rock on a Tuesday night? Yes, please. Alabama born and bred, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit played the Old Rock House last night, led by openening act Maria Taylor.

I haven’t spent time in Northern Alabama, but I feel like I know the place like the back of my hand. I could probably guide someone from Huntsville due west to Muscle Shoals, to Sheffield, then up north to Florence.

When Paste shuttered its print division back in September, the first question on everyone's mind was: What's Paste?

The Paste Tour offered a wide variety of sights and sound to the audience. From the delicate melodies of the Mimicking Birds and haunting guitar and vocals of Jesse Sykes and Phil Wandscher to Langhorne Slim’s signature swagger and Jason Isbell’s impressive guitar chops.

All photos by Kate McDaniel. See more at my Flickr stream.

Jason Isbell grew up in the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, and the Shoals' deep soul permeates his style and sensibility -- even when he's pouring out intricate story songs on an acoustic guitar, as he did during an exclusive live session on KDHX.