Shanda and the Howlers at the Double Down Saloon, Saturday June 6, 2015

Dropped by the Double Down after Junefest to see what we could see of new r'n'b/soul/rockabilly combo Shanda and the Howlers to close out our night. Missed the beginning of the set, but came in to see people boppin', shoutin', shimmyin' and cuttin' a rug to their classic sounds. I'm not familiar with their entire set, and they do have their share of originals, but, as with their debut at the Griffin, they pulled out some terrific oldies like "Down in Mexicali", James Brown's "I'll Go Crazy" and even a newer number, Jack White's "Many Shades of Black".

The players are all excellent and tight, the sax gives the proceedings a nicely different tone and Shanda's big-barreled voice makes ya think you're seeing some 50's blues belter in the flesh.

Definitely one of the best new bands on the scene - you owe it to yourself to see the Howlers for a howlin' good time!