Guitarist for Jason Isbell is a rising star in his own right

The date of October 12, 1996 looms large in Columbia’s music history. On that night, Williams-Brice Stadium hosted Farm Aid. Among the Americana and rock luminaries to perform were Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and Columbia’s Hootie & The Blowfish.

The concert may one day be considered historic not just for who was onstage, but also for who was in the audience. Namely, a 10-year-old Sadler Vaden, who was there with his father.

“(It) blew my mind,” Vaden recalled.

Still excited when they got back to their home in North Myrtle Beach, he and his dad got out his Yamaha acoustic guitar and figured out basic chords to “Hey Hey, My My” and “Pink Houses,” songs they heard at the concert. Sadler was hooked. Learning to play guitar became an obsession.

“All day long at school, I could not stop thinking about getting home and playing guitar. It was like an addiction.”

Vaden is now a real up-and-comer, highly regarded as a songwriter and band leader and much sought-after as a side-man on guitar. He’s currently touring as the lead guitarist in Jason Isbell’s band, which is set to perform at the Music Farm this Saturday.

It has been a steady climb for Vaden.

After moving with his family to Summerville, his mother got to know Greg Walker, then drummer with the Blue Dogs, at a restaurant where she worked. She told him about her son – said she thought he had some talent – and Walker invited Sadler to jam with him and a group of other Charleston-area players.

The young guitarist made an immediate impression and was soon introduced to other working musicians in town. He dropped out of high school (though later earned his GED) and went on the road with a band called the Working Title before forming his own band, Leslie.

With Leslie, Vaden wrote songs and developed his talent as a singer and front man. The band played gigs around the Southeast into his mid-20s. Meanwhile, he worked part-time as lead guitarist with Walker’s Blue Dogs and got the chance to showcase his talents in front of Kevn Kinney, leader of Drivin’ N’ Cryin’.

“They were one of my favorite bands when I was a kid. I saw them open for the Who,” he recalled. “How cool is it that I got to play guitar for a band I saw open a show for the Who?”

Along the way, Vaden had been immersed in his parents’ collection of classic vinyl albums and particularly inspired by such guitar giants as Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, and the Who’s Pete Townsend. He developed an impressive array of chops. But, perhaps more importantly, he developed an appreciation for great songs.

Many young guitarists use a song as a platform to showcase fast licks and soaring solos. Vaden approaches things the other way around. His playing complements melodies, adds texture, and takes the spotlight only when appropriate.

“He plays to the song,” said Bobby Houck, lead singer of the Blue Dogs.

Houck’s band had been a popular draw in the Carolinas and beyond since Vaden was barely out of diapers, but he was struck by Vaden’s sophistication and serious approach as a musician.

“Always, he’s been able to control his volume really well. He can play loud enough during a lead break and then bring it down to the right level during the verses – not a lot of young guitarists seem to know how to do that. And he’s such a great listener. He’s really mature beyond his years.”

Vaden’s band, Leslie, built a strong reputation on the club circuit, but a breakthrough never quite materialized. With a cream-rises-to-the-top notion in mind, Houck, among others, encouraged him to consider a move to Nashville.

Vaden has lived in Nashville for the last several years and has earned the respect within the city’s music community. He’s gotten studio work, written with local songsmiths, and sat in on gigs with ’70s rock tribute band Sons and Zevon. The group features Black Crowes guitarist Audley Freed and Jen Gunderman, who has played keyboard with Sheryl Crow, the Jayhawks and others.

Now, with the job in Isbell’s band, he’s established himself nationally as a significant player on the roots rock scene.

The stages might be bigger, but Vaden’s approach hasn’t changed: His guitar work is focused on serving the song. And Isbell provides some great songs to work with.

His most recent album, “Southeastern,” has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim. NPR named “Southeastern” as one of the top 50 albums of 2013, and the Chicago Tribune praised Isbell as a “master storyteller.”

“Southeastern” was made before Vaden joined the band, but he’s all over the recording that Isbell wrapped up in March and is thrilled with his place in things. “Who wouldn’t love to be playing guitar on songs as good as ones Jason writes?” he remarked.

Vaden, though, is anything but complacent. He’s continuing to grow as a guitarist, and he makes time for songwriting and occasionally playing gigs with his own band.

Houck, for one, is convinced that Vaden has a bright future, whether in an accompanying role or as a lead singer and songwriter. “He works so hard. Whatever he puts his mind to, I think he can get there.”

But, on Saturday, he’ll be focused on giving Isbell’s fans the best show he can. “It’s really exciting to night-in, night-out walk out and see an enthusiastic audience out there. It makes you want to play great for them and live up to your part of the deal.

“I feel like I’ve got the best job anyone could ever have.”

If you go: Jason Isbell, with guest Strand of Oaks, Saturday, April 18, at Music Farm Columbia, 1022 Senate St. Doors open at 8 p.m.; showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets: $25-$28. www.musicfarm.com

Baker Maultsby, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 12:59 PM with the headline "Guitarist for Jason Isbell is a rising star in his own right."