John Howie & The Rosewood Bluff

John Howie Jr.’s music and personality are such an area treasure, he’d probably be bronzed if we didn’t think that’d inhibit his ability to give us more of what we love. Indeed, he’s a familiar figure for Triangle locals: His robust baritone has long cut an impressive profile on Americana’s dusty backroads, passing through byways frequented by George Jones, Ray Price, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. After spending a dozen years leading local country staples the Two Dollar Pistols and recording three studio albums, the band broke up in 2008. Howie spent the next year attending to his family and its newborn addition, but the call of the stage was never far from his heart. After playing a handful of solo gigs around town, he assembled a new crew of collaborators last year.

Universally regarded amongst his musician brethren as a sweet guy, it’s no surprise he’s assembled a terrific lineup from some of the best Triangle bands—Patty Hurst Shifter bassist Jesse Huebner, Fontana and New Town Drunks pedal steel player Nathan Golub, one-time Pistols drummer Matt Brown, guitarist Dustin Miller.

While Howie’s influences remain the same—covers of Gram Parsons, the Byrds and Johnny Cash dot the set list—it’s hard not to notice more of a country rock bounce in this band’s step. While with the Pistols, Howie indulged plenty of tears-in-the-beer balladry, the tempos are more consistently astir with Rosewood Bluff, driven in part by the insistent whine of Golub’s pedal steel. They even dip into rockabilly waters with their vibrant cover of Mickey Newbury’s “Why You Been Gone So Long?” 

But just because the pace is generally up, that doesn’t mean the subject matter is. Howie’s long had a predilection for heartbreak, and a sampling of Rosewood Bluff originals suggests much hasn’t changed. For evidence, see “I Don’t Mind Cryin’,” “Watch Me Fall” and “Leavin’ Yesterday.” 

The Rosewood Bluff has been recording its debut, Leavin’ Yesterday, with producer Brian Paulson (Uncle Tupelo, Beck). The band is anticipating a late summer release. —Chris Parker