Jason Isbell talks return to Oklahoma, Steely Dan and vampires
(WorldNews Music)

Jason Isbell`s a country person, but he`s never thought of himself as a country singer. That`s a tricky path to walk, especially with his Southern accent, recent CMA nod and being married to a celebrated fiddle player. On the phone in Fargo, he`s also quick to point out his teachers` country roots. George Jones, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton are just a few artists who`ve informed Isbell`s songwriting and have pushed him to dig deeper than the typical trappings of pop country. The Muscle Shoals student and Alabama native, now 38, dissects Southerness rather than perpetuate a love for big trucks, back roads and never-ending weekends. The former Drive-By Trucker found his groove tackling...