The Pine Hill Haints, Slow Motion Cowboy, the Unwieldies, the All Togethers at Backstage Bar and Billiards, Wednesday, Feb 6, 2019

I think that Alabama's Pine Hill Haints, who have been recordin'n'performin' for a couple of decades now, first came onto my radar when the Gentlemen of Four Outs started covering "Never Gonna Die", a catchily defiant "fuck you" to the Grim Reaper. I finally got to see them for the first time last year and really enjoyed their unique take on Americana that they describe as "Alabama Ghost Music". When I found out that they would be returning and accompanied by local faves the All Togethers and the Unwieldies, I knew that I had to brave the elements (such as they exist in Las Vegas) and catch the show.

Opening the night was the All Togethers, who I have ranted'n'raved about innumerable times on this blog as one of Vegas' premier acoustic combos. Led by husband/wife team Ken'n'Cindy (mandolin and stand up, respectively) and now featuring Michael on guitar and Brenna on lead cello, the team performs their self-described "hillbilly jazz" - a take on old-school Americana with a mix of finely-written originals and excellent covers. Their harmonies are always spot-on and pretty darn chilling, while the instrumental interaction is clever and engaging, with everyone trading off riffs from and all  working with each other for the sake of the song. Michael's "Copper Angel" is always a highlight, as was a new cover, "A Miner's Life" (a modern song that sounds like old Americana, and tells a tale of a man perishing in the mine and the family carrying on) and a new-ish original, "Cruel", with its cool dynamics and harmonies.

The Unwieldies are another local fave acoustic act and tonight they were especially on, with great sound from the club (some of the best sound throughout the night that I've ever encountered at this club - kudos to the sound man!). Everyone was clear in the mix, including Richard's dobro, which tend to get drowned out at times, and Jack's fine violin coloring over Rob's stand up and Dani's acoustic guitar. Dani's voice is always clear and dynamic and I love to hear her harmonize with Rob's gruffer, Tom Waits-ian singing. Their set was mostly originals from their excellent CDs, along with a new one (I believe) that Rob sang, "Birth To Grave" (do I have that right?), and their closer, a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" that works surprisingly well. Always a treat!

Apparently, Pete IS the Slow Motion Cowboys, although at one point this was a full band, but he has been touring without backing (he was solo last year with the Haints, as well) as he performs his original country/bluegrass/folk singer/songwriter material. His guitar playing is simple, maybe a little Carter Family-ish, but provides a nice background to his songs and his voice. Since he is touring with the Haints, he performs just before them although energy-wise, he probably would fit better at the beginning of the night - no disrespect to his talent, just the pacing of the evening. Regardless, he has good songs and delivery and is always enjoyable.

The Haints are currently touring with JD Wilkes from Th' Legendary Shack Shakers adding some ferocious harmonica playing to the mix and seemingly giving the band a little extra added kick in the process. Lead man Jamie sings most of the leads and plays some hip, distorted guitar while telling stories and entertaining as a highly animated front man. Katie supplements the sound with washboard, mandolin and superior musical saw (she is seriously talented!), Steve keep the groove goin' with his washtub bass (still amazed at the amount of tones he gets from this contraption) and I believe that a gentleman by the name of Ben is maintainin' the beat on his single snare drum (he can manage to get a good amount of rhythm from this single instrument, as well). Everyone did change up their instruments at times, with Jamie playing some fiddle and even a bit of bass, Steve played banjo on a few numbers (including a fantastic take on "Never Gonna Die"), another young lady joined in on bass while Steve was on banjo, and the entire night felt like a fun, loose party more than a show. There were some super fans in the audience who continued to "feed the kitty" (the tip "jar" shaped like a cat) and were rewarded with numerous requests and stories.

Highly original versions of songs like "St Louis Blues" and "The Hunter" (Jamie claims he learned it from Danzig (!!) but he made it their own) were mixed with originals like "Jim Cain" (I believe was the title), a super fun Mardi Gras sing-along, the afore-mentioned "Never Gonna Die", "Death By Stereo" (covered by the Riverboat Gamblers), "Jack O'Fire" (not the Gun Club song), "Pullman Waltz" (complete with fiddle and second harmonica by Jamie) and another waltz at the end of the night that Pete Cowboy joined in on. For the actual finale, everyone jumped in the audience as Steve grabbed his banjo and led the band through a completely acoustic rendition of their tune "Blow", as the crowd circled around them, clappin'n'stampin' their feet.

I may not have been able to make it out to very many shows yet this year, but the ones I have attended have been some of the best I've seen in ages, this one included! Already a highlight of the year!