Members
Select a The Waybacks band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
The Waybacks are a dynamic ensemble originating from San Francisco, known for their genre-blurring approach to bluegrass, Americana, folk, and newgrass. The band features James Nash on lead guitar, mandolin, and vocals, Chojo Jacques on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and Humanatone, and Stevie Coyle on rhythm, fingerpicked, and Weissenborn slide guitar, along with vocals. The rhythm section is held down by Joe Kyle, Jr. on double bass and vocals, and Chuck Hamilton on drums. Their music is a rich tapestry of sounds, where traditional string band music meets an eclectic variety of influences, resulting in a fresh and vibrant soundscape.
How to Sound Like The Waybacks
The Waybacks’ sound is characterized by its intricate acoustic arrangements and lively, genre-defying energy. The group often blends traditional string instruments with a flair for improvisation and eclectic styles, creating a fusion that is both nostalgic and innovative. Acoustic guitars and mandolins are central to their sound, delivering crisp, melodic lines enriched by the dynamic interplay between fiddle and guitar. Their arrangements favor clean, articulate tones, allowing each instrument's voice to shine through while maintaining a cohesive ensemble feel. To emulate their sound, musicians might focus on the use of warm, resonant acoustic instruments and explore a variety of playing techniques to capture the vibrant, spontaneous energy that defines The Waybacks. The rhythm section’s buoyant, yet grounded approach provides a flexible foundation, making room for the spontaneous, playful dynamics that are a hallmark of their performances.
Discography
Devolver
2000
Burger After Church
2002
Way Live
2003
From the Pasture to the Future
2006
Loaded
2008
Back in the USA
2016
Birdsongs
2017
With a Lotta Help from Our Friends
2018
Full on the Hill
2019
Stairway to Hillside
2020
Halfway to Heaven
2022
One Way Or Another
2023
Getting In Tune
2024
Visions In Our Minds
2025