A trio of musicians born in Alabama, South Africa and Germany wowed fans in Mexico by playing a song about a Mexico-conquering Spaniard from the 16th century written by a 20th century Canadian hippie.

So went things Friday night when Jason Isbell sat-in with Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds.

Matthews and Reynolds were performing an acoustic set as part of Dave & Tim Riviera Maya 2024, a four-day destination event at a Cancun beachside resort.

With Isbell playing evocative leads on a Stratocaster and tweed Fender amp, the trio performed 1975 Neil Young song “Cortez the Killer” together. During the 11-minute or so performance of “Cortez,” Isbell also traded off on lead vocals with Matthews.

You can watch YouTube videos of Isbell, Matthews and Reynolds’ performance here and here.

Both Isbell and Matthews have covered Young’s song previously/separately with their respective full ensembles, roots-rock stars Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and jam-scene kings Dave Matthews Band. Reynolds is a longtime Matthews collaborator and latter day Dave Matthews Band member.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit also performed a set as part of Dave & Tim Riviera Maya 2024. Other performers included, per JamBase, iconic soul-singer Mavis Staples and rock band The Lone Bellow.

The past year have been eventful for Isbell, to say the least. He released his latest album, the excellent “Weathervanes”; won his fifth and sixth Grammys; filed for divorce after 11 years of marriage to musician Amanda Shires; covered a classic power-ballad at a high-profile event honoring Jon Bon Jovi, and his longtime backing band underwent a few lineup changes.

Next, Isbell resumes his headlining tour, several shows of which are already sold-out, tonight in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

An Alabama native from Green Hill and Muscle Shoals and current Nashville-era resident, Isbell has announced a new concert date in his home state: June 10 in Auburn. More info at jasonisbell.com/shows.

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