The Pine Needles are a Californian four piece "mountain string band with jamband sensibilities" who play retro acoustic dance music on guitar, string bass, percussion, fiddle and mandolin.
They take bookings for wedding parties and their website lists satisfied Californian customers from events where they have performed.
The homely, good time mood of the band is obvious from the fact that the first two instrumental tunes which are entitled Enjoyment Has Occurred and A Ton of Fun. The first is described as a "jam tune with a soul beat", the second was inspired by Jewish-American roots music.
Of the album's eleven tracks, seven of are instrumentals and all are built around simple toe-tapping melodies and even simpler lyrics,(e.g. "She say feed me / Need me / Believe me/ Be with me" (Five Alive)
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The most ambitious, and interesting, track is Dorrin's Diamond, an Irish-flavoured instrumental built around fiddle and bass which aims to "conjure up the image of a sturdy seafaring vessel as it cuts through the waves".
Otherwise you'll find a generous helping of bluegrass mixed in with the jazzy swing rhythms.
Overall, this is a modest record that showcases a humble set of tunes played with a gentle, spontaneous spirit.
The Pine Needles' Website
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