The Pines CD release concert with Spaghetti Western String Co.
"Potent, poignant, minimalist country from Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey (son of Greg Brown sideman Bo, who produced this record [Tremolo]). The duo spin spare, haunting melodies and imagistic words over deceptively gentle intertwinings of acoustic and electric guitar, stand-up bass, keys and drums. But song after song, with soft, wearied voices, they reveal a lyrical world view both thoughtful and tough, keenly attuned to harsh realities and the glimpses of consolation that peek through the solitude and loss inherent in life. “We surrender, just to survive/ But no matter how hard you try/ No, you can’t put the tears/ Back into your eyes,” Ramsey sings (with the help of his dad) on Shiny Shoes. What’s remarkable is how such an unsentimental outlook is married to music at once so fragile, so gravid and, ultimately, beautiful. If I were a betting man, I’d say watch for this album on a lot of critics’ top 10 lists for 2009." (Scott Lingley, Penguin Eggs)
In a world swimming in singer/songwriters, it's difficult to rise above the masses and create a truly unique sound that captures ears and stimulates the mind. The Pines are a band that has taken on this feat, honing their musical craft to near perfection with a sound that wavers on the edge of traditional acoustic/roots music, but embraces the nuances of today's indie-rock and blues music. Meeting in a Mexican barrio in Arizona, fellow Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey began playing music together, forming The Pines. Committing to a musical career, they returned to their Midwestern roots and settled in the musical haven of Minneapolis. In 2004 The Pines released their debut self-titled album on the Iowa-based Trailer Records, establishing themselves as an emerging force in the roots music world with their haunting blend of indie-rock, folk, and blues with intelligent lyrics. In 2007 The Pines released Sparrows in the Bell on Red House Records. The album had critics buzzing and was named one of the top roots releases of 2007 by Q Magazine. With the official CD release tonight of Tremolo (Red House), The Pines continue to show their growth as artists as well as an unparalleled wisdom in their songwriting and musicianship.
The son of Greg Brown's producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was surrounded by folk and blues music and continues to let those influences shine, even on louder electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft music that evokes the ancient while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves. Both strong writers and musicians, David and Benson have distinct voices that complement each other, causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music. Steadily touring around the country, The Pines have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Bon Iver, The Holmes Brothers, Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, and Spider John Koerner.
The sweeping cinematic scope of Spaghetti Western String Company's music will make for a compelling showcase of some of the best Americana-informed music the Midwest can provide.
"Lyrically clever, witty and vivid, and musically inspired, these songs instantly live inside your head. Sure-footed and charming."- Q magazine
“talented singers and songwriters…The Pines can make you feel happy and sad almost simultaneously.” - No Depression
“starkly poetic, buzzed-about Americana” - Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Quiet, serene, romantic, mysterious—The Pines are all these things and more on Sparrow in the Bell.”- Goldmine
Tickets are on sale now from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), Cedar outlets, and online at Ticketweb.
The Spaghetti Western String Co. is an instrumental acoustic quartet from Minneapolis that formed in the winter of 2003. Their music seems made for film scores, and is at times bittersweet and chaotic. They are two-time recipients of Minnesota...
Made up of Iowa natives David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, indie-roots duo The Pines actually began their musical partnership in Arizona, where they both lived in a Mexican barrio and first began playing together. Committing to a musical career, they...
