Is there a place on the current music scene for country-tinged instrumental music? Of course, those inclined to all things country/Americana could be delighted, but when a master of a few instruments like IJ Smith is involved, all other music fans should prick up their ears too. That is where Crimson, the debut 4-song EP by Oakland-based Driftwood Pines comes into play.
Lead by aforementioned Smith who here covers everything from guitars, mandolin, lap steel, and bass, to percussion and synths, and backed by Tony Daquipa (drums/trap/percussion) it is an exemplary instrumental showcase that covers a wide range of Americana music in all its shapes and forms, and all in just for compositions.
To make it work, the instrumental work has to truly shine, but the songwriting side has to be strong enough so not to turn a showcase into a show-off, and Smith has been around in music long enough, with enough talent to be able to make it all work here.
Crimson’s brevity also works two ways – as an instrumental showcase it doesn’t overstay its welcome, and at the same time it is a telling sign of the possibilities Driftwood Pines might explore in the future.
