On April 7th, HBO released Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed, a 100-minute documentary directed by Sam Jones (I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco) that focuses largely on his marriage to Amanda Shires, their dynamic as a couple and parents, his journey towards sobriety, and the making of his last album Reunions.

Fans of Jason Isbell should consider this a must-see and will revel in the studio footage and behind-the-scenes access to his songwriting process.

Loosely linear, the documentary spends a decent amount of time on back story, from his “chubby” childhood days, born to a 17-year old mother and 19-year old father, through their troubled marriage, and into his teens, where he sought shelter with a Stratocaster, and both literally and figuratively drowned out the fighting that was permeating the thin walls of their modest home.

Fans like me who first heard Jason Isbell play on his first tour with the Drive-By Truckers will be eager to see some great footage from those years and interested to hear the perspective of Truckers’ main-man Patterson Hood, who speaks honestly and candidly about Jason’s demons, but with a clear and transparent love and respect that resonates deeply.

It’s not all Grammys and sold-out runs at the Ryman in the Isbell camp, and the film often feels tense and raw as it weaves in and out of the incredible music.

The foundation of the film is Isbell’s relationship with Shires; their ups and downs through his drinking and sobriety, his boss-man status in the recording studio, and the birth and upbringing of their adorable daughter Mercy. Throw in the struggles of being a touring musician during a global lockdown (albeit a bit eased when spent at a sprawling Tennessee farm) and the stress of following up Grammy-winning albums, and it becomes pretty clear that there are real issues here, and it’s not a cakewalk. As Jason and Amanda struggle to communicate and come to the realization that their marriage could be in danger, you forget for a moment that you’re watching a music doc.

I found the timing of the release a little strange, on the brink of the release of his 9th studio album Weathervanes. It would seem to have been a good promotional piece around Reunions, as that was the focus of the studio work covered. Regardless, the film works on every level and provides some great perspective. I’ve been a bit tepid on Jason’s music post-Southeastern, which was, in my opinion, the best album of the 2010’s. The film shines a light on a lot of that material and has me revisiting his catalog and looking forward to Weathervanes.

Running With Our Eyes Closed is highly recommended to anyone who’s a fan of the Americana genre, of Jason’s, Amanda’s, or the Truckers’, or anyone who wants to get a glimpse of the songwriting process of one the best there is. Thanks to HBO for releasing this gem.

Jeremy Porter is a Co-Editor in Chief at Pencil Storm. He lives near Detroit and fronts the rock and roll band Jeremy Porter And The Tucos. Follow them on Facebook to read his road blog about their adventures on the dive-bar circuit.
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