MP3 Piney Creek Weasels - Off to California

An old-time string band based in Sacramento, California. The Weasels feature a high-energy old-timey sound that combines highly entertaining arrangements with tight harmony and dynamic musicianship.

21 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Traditional Folk, COUNTRY: Bluegrass



Details:
The Piney Creek Weasels is an old-time string band based in Sacramento, California. The Weasels feature a high-energy old-timey sound that combines highly entertaining arrangements with tight harmony and dynamic musicianship. A typical performance by the Weasels will feature originals penned by band members, obscure Old Time tunes and a few well-known favorites. Performances often will often end with the audience howling like dogs along with the band. The late banjo virtuoso Rick Abrams formed the group in 1987. Past members of the group include fiddler Dave Rainwater and guitarist Hugh Hoeger.

The Weasels have recorded 6 albums during its existence and has released a new CD, called "Off to California" on its own Weaseltone label. The CD features fiddler Eric Anderson's own lively dance tune, "Three Cups Short", and an elegant waltz-time setting of the traditional Irish hornpipe "Off to California". Other CDs recorded by the band include "Squirrel Heads and Gravy" with Hay Holler records (www.hayholler.com) and "Go Long Mule" with Heritage Records. The Piney Creek Weasels's CDs have been selected and played on radio and TV music channels such as Music Choice.

Eric Anderson has been fiddling and singing with the band since 1995. Eric won the California State Old-time Fiddler's title three times. In additional to the fiddle, Eric also plays mandolin and guitar. He is the current president of District 5 of the California Old Time fiddler's. Eric has over 40 fiddle students and is a veteran of the Gulf War.

Rocky Rioux, bass, lead and harmony vocals, is the heartbeat of the band. He not only keeps the band moving with his up-tempo bass style, but also plays an occasional lead on the bass - while he sings along. Rocky joined the Weasels in 1994 when Rick Abrams convinced him to try playing old-time music. He began playing Bluegrass music in 1975 and when he isn't picking, he is a rocket scientist at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

Playing guitar with the band is Dan Baker, a truck driver who lives with his family in Antelope, California. He began playing music when he was a teenager, singing and playing in church. He also played rock and roll with a 22-piece big band.

Andy Alexis of Sacramento, California plays banjo and sings lead vocals. He started playing traditional music 25 years ago and in addition to the banjo, plays hammered dulcimer and finger style guitar. He is a former member of the bands Whiskey Before Breakfast and Off To California and won first place in banjo at the Santa Barbara Banjo and Fiddle Contest. Andy works as an air pollution specialist for the California Air Resources Board.