It's been at least 10 years since I last saw the Legendary Shack Shakers - back when the Swamp Gospel played with them on a Sunday night at the old Bunkhouse - so I thought it was time to check them out again since they rarely come through to Vegas. Since it was a Sunday night show again, I was glad that the bands started early (right around 8:00) and while I was sad to see that the Rhyolite Sound didn't make the gig for some reason, that certainly helped keep things moving.
Paige Overton opened the evening with a new duo project that she is calling Turk and Opal - her on acoustic guitar with a terrific lead guitarist accompanying her. Nicely written country-esque tunes sung by Paige, who has a fine voice, and filled out by the flyin' fingers'n'country licks by the lead guitarist. While it was sparse, they really had a pretty full sound for just two people - quite well done and it was a treat to have Jeffrey Koenig join them on harp for the last number.
One of my fave local combos is certainly Shanda and the Howlers - Vegas' premier, old school R'n'B and jump-jive-blues group. Jeffrey is now playing harp regularly with the Howlers, and while I kinda miss the sax, Jeffrey is an exceptional player so he more than makes up for it. Trevor has a fantastic guitar tone no matter what guitar or amp he brings, Luke'n'Turbo are a steam-driven rhythm section and, of course, Shanda has an amazing Big Mama Thornton-like voice that can still croon sweetly when need be. The set covered numbers from pretty much all of their records, including the latest which I picked up so more on that one later. I'm surprised that I only got a couple of pix, but that's because I was just diggin' the set. See them any time you can!
I knew nothing about Nashville's Hillbilly Casino, but they were a super fun, semi-psychobilly-ish (sorta/kinda) band with a wildly animated front man, his teenage (apparently) son poundin' the skins more than ably behind him, a long-haired stand up bassist, and an older guitarist who could easily mix country, rockabilly and rock'n'roll riffs throughout the set and even pulled out an electric banjo for some rollickin' rolls! Non-stop action and some truly astounding harmonies really topped off the set - fun stuff!
Th' Legendary Shack Shakers are led by JD Wilkes and his incredible harp-playing - really one of the masters of the instrument playing around today (although Jeffrey certainly could give him a run for his money) - and a high energy backing band. They also blend rockabilly, blues, country and more into their own unique mix and kept the crowd highly entertained through to the midnight hour!
Super fun night and glad to see some excellent local talent mixing with these hep touring bands. Thanks to Nevermore and the Usual Place for a great Sunday show!
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