From the Pasture to the Future

Waybacks (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B000F1HGB0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,761 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Acoustic Guitar

"Hot pickers who are destined to become revered new-acousticians."

Product Description

Possessing dazzling instrumental chops and an absolute mastery of acoustic musical styles, The Waybacks are an eclectic quintet, steeped in an array of Americana idioms. Whether mesmerizing audiences at intimate venues or creating a sensation at major festivals, the band has brought its onstage alchemy to enthusiastic fans far and wide. On From the Pasture to the Future, the band has captured that aesthetically pleasing mix while adding a bit of spit and polish courtesy of esteemed producer Lloyd Maines. Follow The Waybacks on their their collective muse through a landscape littered with driving, melody-laden rock ("Petrified Man"), an elegant fiddle waltz ("Bluebird Waltz"), a Kinks cover reinvented with New Orleans second line inflections ("Motorway") and a jazz-tinged rumba (Chick Corea’s "Armando’s Rhumba").

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Acoustic Mayhem, May 1, 2006

By 

J. Oliveira (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From the Pasture to the Future (Audio CD)

After a long wait since their last studio release (2002's 'Burger After Church'), The Waybacks come back and prove that even with an ever-changing lineup, they still can have a remarkably consistant sound... while leaving room for growth. This album was recorded in between the time they had a revolving door of guest fiddlers and finally the permanant addition of the amazingly talented Warren Hood, whose absence on this album is a disappointment. For lack of, at the time, a fiddler they could call their own, they received help from some of the best: Gabe Witcher, Evan Price and Darol Anger. Lloyd Maines' masterful production gives the listener the feeling that what's on the album can be reproduced in a live setting without missing a step. While further experimenting with bluegrass, they have ventured into the realms of jazz, swing and even straight-up rock (this showcased on the surprisingly universally accessible "Helping Me"). The album's title track is one of the most well-written instrumental pieces I've heard in a long time (my only complaint about this album is that this song did not open the album). "Monkey Pants" has already been a crowd favorite at the Wabes' live shows and the stuio rendition does the song justice. With "Hot Kranski" and "Ninety-One", James Nash proves to be both a well-educated instrumentalist and arranger and a skillful, reflective songwriter. Stevie Coyle does not disappoint with the cleverly lyricized "The Petrified Man". The Waybacks will someday be a huge concert draw (even more than they already are), winning over fans with their interesting take on bluegrass and folk music, and this album just may do it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Acoustic string jazz-grass and swing, May 1, 2006

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Pasture to the Future (Audio CD)

This acoustic quartet's playing and harmonizing suggests bluegrass, but there's a lot more happening on their fourth album than traditional string music. In particular, there's light drumming throughout, no banjo, and little material from the standard bluegrass repertoire. The band's originals are heavy on instrumental virtuosity and interplay, venturing into similar jam-band territory as Leftover Salmon, but with concise arrangements and gypsy-jazz swing reminiscent of revivalists like Hot Club of Cowtown. In addition to their originals, the band's hand-picked covers include a tight arrangement of Chick Corea's "Amando's Rhumba" and a tuba-lined take of Ray Davies' 1972 Kinks' klassic, "Motorway." The variety that the band creates with acoustic instruments is interesting, but the seamlessness of their segues from hot jazz to folk-rock to twangy mountain and Celtic sounds is truly impressive. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to it LOUD, May 25, 2006

By 

Dave Woodward "Loves Music" (Redwood City, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Pasture to the Future (Audio CD)

FTPTTF is an evolution from their three earlier albums. The variety of fiddlers and the addition of a tuba, among other things, make this a different offering than any of the earlier albums. There is also much excellent material with their mix of styles that charm and beguile. I have listened to the album many times now and I like it best on my monster theater speakers turned up so I can hear every note and nuance. I eagerly await the next album with their uber-talented Warren Hood added. Until then do yourself a favor and add this one to your collection!