 Live performances of this first iteration of the band drew much acclaim in the San Francisco Bay Area, not only for the Jacques/Houston solo duels and for Coyle's onstage banter, but for Kee's and Tucker's tight-as-can-be rhythm section as well.Songwriter, lead guitarist and singer James Nash replaced Glenn Houston in June 1999, before the recording of The Waybacks' first album "Devolver".With the addition of Nash's songwriting and distinctive guitar improvisations, and without professional management or an agency (booking and promotion spearheaded internally by Coyle), The Waybacks quickly moved from playing small local pubs and coffeehouses to headlining concert halls and roots/folk/bluegrass festivals throughout North America and abroad.