Howie's country pedigree — you can trace it from George Jones through Dwight Yoakum to Dale Watson — and mile-deep vocals are practically a regional legend, highlighted by his years fronting Two Dollar Pistols. That band parted company a few years back, and fans of Howie's booze-and-heartache laments and Bob Willis-swing have been anticipating what's next ever since. He's finally returned to Charlotte with a new band — the Rosewood Bluff — and a ridiculously good set of country tunes, Leavin' Yesterday that stands up to anything he's done. (John Schacht)