On April 24, 2015, Jason Isbell and his wife, fiddler Amanda Shires, stopped by the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City to perform a gorgeous cover of Warren Zevon's "Mutineer" for David Letterman and his studio audience. Less than one year later, Isbell and Shires -- along with Isbell's full band, the 400 Unit -- found their way back to the legendary venue to perform "If It Takes a Lifetime," the opening track on his latest album, Something More Than Free, for Letterman's successor, Stephen Colbert.

The spirited tune is steered by Isbell's spellbinding lyrics and the flawless musicianship of the 400 Unit; it showcases the artist's evolution from the somewhat somber mood of his previous record, Southeastern, to the brighter side of Something More Than Free. Press play on the video above to see Isbell's performance, from Thursday night's (Feb. 25) episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

While in New York City, Isbell and company sold out two back-to-back nights at Manhattan's storied concert hall, the Beacon Theatre. Night One wrapped up just in time for the Colbert performance to air, and Night Two is set for Friday (Feb. 26); both gigs feature Shovels & Rope as support.

Isbell is early into this latest run of dates; fans can find his full tour itinerary, which includes a stop at Mountain Jam 2016 in June, at his official website. The Grammy Award-winning Something More Than Free is also available for purchase here.

Top 10 Americana, Alt-Country and Folk Albums of 2015

More From 95.3 The Bear