James the Fang with Serious Sam Barrett, the Unwieldies and the Devils Duo at the Double Down, Monday Jan 17, 2022

I've been a huge fan of the Pine Hill Haints since I first saw them - coincidentally, at the Double Down with Serious Sam Barrett opening - and so when I found out that Jamie was coming to town playing alongside Sam, I certainly wanted to get in on the action and what better combo then our new, revamped Devil's Duo?

Since Melanie decided to learn how to play the banjolele during Covid times, the Duo now consists of Mel on vocals and banjolele and myself on vocals and electrified acoustic (1964 Harmony Hollywood) guitar. Our set list is fairly varied, ranging from old time murder ballads to blues to country to Americana to our own twists on more modern tunes. Backed by a simple drum machine to keep us on time, we take turns on lead vocals and harmonize when we can and this evening, we managed to keep things at a reasonable volume and with the help of Jack Unwieldies fab PA system, we had a good mix and were able to actually hear our vocals. Although it was a sparse Monday night audience, we got a good reception and one kind soul actually gave us a $100 tip! How crazy is that?! We're hoping to be back on stage shortly, so look to our Facebook or Instagram for updates!

Vegas' premier acoustic combo, the Unwieldies, were good enough to set up the night and include the Duo and accommodate Jamie and Sam, so high kudos to them! Their songs of love won'n'lost and the injustices of the haves'n'the have nots were particularly strong this evening, again highlighted by a superior sound'n'mix with Dani's sweet vocals combining with Rob's more earthly croon and backed by their guitar'n'bass and Richard's singing dobro touches (he came through clearly this time out) and Jack's melodic violin layered on top. They have a huge selection of terrific originals and have no problem with pulling out an occasional oddball cover, such as tonight's "Billie Jean"! They're doing a monthly residency at the Gold Mine Tavern in Henderson, so make sure to see them when you can!

Jamie's "Alabama Ghost Music" blends well with Sam's Northern England folk music, which is really no surprise as the South's early music traditions obviously came from the old country. In this duo, they trade off vocals'n'harmonize while Sam primarily plays his old Harmony 12-string guitar, although he occasionally picks up his banjo, clawhammer style, and Jamie fiddles and once in a while pulls out his beat-up acoustic/electric guitar. Sam is a fine finger-picker and Jamie's fiddling makes the tunes swing'n'sway, and both are excellent singers, as well. After discovering Melanie's British roots, Sam made a point of playing a couple of numbers from the area, and the night was filled with modern takes on music from the ages! See these cats if they come to your town - just great stuff!

Once again, thank you to the Double Down for hosting a fine night of eclectic tunes and thank you to those who came out on a Monday night and to the Unwieldies for setting things up and Jamie and Sam for coming to town, since so many touring acts skip our city!

And once again, sorry for the mediocre quality of my phone's photos!