Jason Isbell Covers ‘Pancho & Lefty’ In New York City

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit left just Jason Isbell and Sadler Vaden on stage for a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho & Lefty” during the band’s concert in New York City on Thursday night. The group also welcomed opener Adia Victoria for a take on the Precious Bryant classic “The Truth” as part of the encore at their first of two nights at The Rooftop at Pier 17.

Initially recorded by Van Zandt for his 1972 studio album, The Late Great Townes Van Zandt, the song was famously covered by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson as the title track of their 1983 duets album. Willie and Merle’s version topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart on July 23, 1983.

Jason Isbell had previously played “Pancho & Lefty” both solo and with wife Amanda Shires. Last night marked the only time the cover was performed at a 400 Unit show besides a December 9, 2018 concert in Birmingham, Alabama as per Setlist.FM. Jason went acoustic for “Pancho & Lefty,” while Sadler played electric guitar. Watch fan-shot footage of Jason Isbell and Sadler Vaden’s version of the Townes Van Zandt classic from Thursday’s show below:

Isbell, Vaden and 400 Unit bandmates keyboardist Derry DeBorja, bassist Jimbo Hart and drummer Chad Gamble delivered a selection of songs from throughout Jason’s career last night in NYC. The setlist included the band’s first 2022 version of “Songs That She Sang In The Shower” off 2013’s Southeastern as well as a “Happy Birthday To You” performed in honor of Jason’s daughter, Mercy Isbell. Additionally, Vaden led the group through Drivin’ n’ Cryin’s “Honeysuckle Blue” and Adia Victoria’s guest spot was followed by a show-closing take on “Never Gonna Change” from Isbell’s time in Drive-By Truckers.

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit return to The Rooftop at Pier 17 tonight.