Muscle Shoals, Alabama singer/songwriter/guitarist Jason Isbell is currently recording demos for a new album that is scheduled to be released sometime during 2010. In a tweet on his twitter page yesterday Isbell said that he “cut some demos today” and that the next record would “certainly” be released during this year. He also said that it wasn’t going to be as mellow as last year’s Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Isbell started his career by joining alt. country/rock band Drive-By Truckers in 2001 and left in 2007, performing on Decoration Day, The Dirty South and A Blessing and a Curse. He released his debut solo album Sirens of the Ditch in 2007, where he was backed by members of Drive-By Truckers, and his second album was recorded with his backing band the 400 Unit – the self-titled Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit has a few shows scheduled for late February, plus an appearance at a The Who Tribute at Carnegie Hall, New York on March 2.

UPDATE:  Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit just announced an Australian tour in April with Justin Townes Earle, see dates below.

Tour dates (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit):

02.17 – Johnson City, TN – Capone’s
02.18 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
02.19 – Savannah, GA – Locos
02.20 – Charleston, SC – The Pour House
02.26 – New York, NY – City Winery (co-headlining with Jason Arthur)
02.28 – Fairfield, CT – StageOne
03.02 – New York, NY – Carnegie Hall (The Who Tribute)
03.04 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head Live

Tour dates (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit + Justin Townes Earle):

04.03 – Tallarook, AUS – Boogie Festival
04.07 – Brisbane, AUS – The Zoo
04.08 – Newcastle, AUS – Lizottes
04.09 – Sydney, AUS – Factory Theatre
04.11 – Milton, AUS – Milton Theatre
04.14 – Belgrave, AUS – Ruby’s
04.15 – Castlemaine, AUS – Royal Theatre
04.16 – Melbourne, AUS – Corner Hotel
04.17 – Geelong AUS – The Studio