Retro-roots artist Woody Pines (who’s local, but seems to spend most of his time on the road), returns to Asheville just in time for winter solstice. Which may or may not have been the plan. Regardless, Pines and his band make a stop at Jack of the Wood on Saturday, Dec. 21. 9 p.m., $8.
According to Pines’ Facebook page, his sound is an amalgamation of “Ragtime, Boogie, Viper Jazz, Lighting Speed Folk. Full of stomp and swing, and jump and jive. It’s old-time feel-good music done by a young master who clearly understands that this kind of music was always about having a great time.” In other words, it sound like this:
Despite Pines’ proclivity for fedoras, sharp suits and vintage luggage, he’s not really a throwback. He’s not really a folk historian, either, though there’s the sense that he takes his listening and reinterpreting of the American Songbook seriously. There’s a bit of a wink, too. That, and Pines (like an intrepid touring musician) keeps an active Twitter account and a passport: Pines and company have been known to tour Europe. Though the first quarter of 2014 sees them covering much of the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest.
Not local, unless local= transplant who rents an overpriced rental house here in town. But isn’t that the flavor of most of the acts featured in write ups? No complaints on the music, just the fact checking.