The Waybacks, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, have made the bluegrass charts and been praised for "acoustic mayhem." Now they're focusing on original songs and enjoying a refreshed repertoire - one that's touched by Memphis soul, honky-tonk, Parisian swing, classical music, vintage blue pop and much more besides. The Waybacks' current album, "Loaded," seems "like a mixtape made just for you by your infinitely cooler friend," says Juli Thanki of Popmatters. The Waybacks have toured with Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir, and whatever they do, they do with spontaneity. "The whole spirit of improvisation--that's always been the cornerstone of this band for me," says founding singer, songwriter and guitarist James Nash. "Through all the stylistic changes and regardless of the instruments we're playing, to me the fun of this band has always been that in some ways I can do whatever I feel like doing at any moment."