With undeniable talent, hot picking and multiple genre bending, The Waybacks are on the verge of breaking the line of question mark to exclamation point. The Mill Valley, CA based five-piece was recently named as Bob Weir’s backing band for two April performances – not a bad twist of fate for these middle aged up-and-comers.
Instead of a two set extravaganza, the Wayback’s show at Higher Ground was limited to an hour and a half "sneak" peak. Like their namesake, the "wayback" sound incorporates old-time, jazz, country, folk, cajun and gypsy. They even push the bluegrass thing, but tuck it back in favor of more abstract genre bending.
"Petrified Man" featured the talents of the boyish newcomer Warren Hood, who led a nice interplay with lead guitarist James Nash. Hood delivered an energetic spark that carried the band through their improv moments and he even introduced his own material, which included the soulful "Savannah." Each member brings their own distinct influences to the table: most notably the suave finger picking of Steve Coyle that complements his Garrison Keillor story telling talents. The rhythm section of Joe Klye Jr, on bass and Chuck Hamilton on drums delivered a laid back jazz sensibility to the more aggressive lead styles of the front three.
The Waybacks have an obvious affinity for timeless Americana covers, as they breezed through The Band’s "The Shape I’m In," Professor Longhair’s "In The Wee Wee Hours" and the Grateful Dead’s "Cumberland Blues." The only thing missing from the Tuesday night gig was a second set, as just when The Waybacks reached full boil, they had to call it a night. Chances are they’ll be given a longer time slot next time, as more and more people catch on. Bob Weir certainly has.
For more information, visit waybacks.com.
