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 returned to their Midwestern roots and moved to Minneapolis, a city that has launched many folk and rock acts from Bob Dylan to The Replacements to The Jayhawks. Like these Twin Cities legends, The Pines weave together many musical styles to create their own unique sound that is hip and haunting.
The son of Greg Brown’s producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was reared on 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 songs that evoke 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.
After releasing their first CD on Iowa based Trailer Records, The Pines signed with acclaimed indie label Red House Records in 2007 and released their breakout album Sparrows in the Bell, named one of the top roots releases of the year by Q Magazine. Garnering rave reviews in magazines and blogs in the UK and Europe, the album won them new fans all over the world. The Pines wowed audiences at the 2008 South By Southwest (SXSW) and were named one of the musical highlights by CMT.com. Their dark Americana sound has gained a devoted cult following and has led them to share the stage with such diverse acts as Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, Iris DeMent, Bon Iver and The Holmes Brothers.
Now with the release of the new CD Tremolo, The Pines solidify their place as one of the acts to watch on the indie-roots music scene. Produced by Bo Ramsey and recorded in just two days, the album showcases their unique songwriting and musicianship. It features their all-star Minneapolis-based band, which includes acclaimed drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal, John Gorka), jazz bassist James Buckley (Ed Harcourt, Daniel Johnston, Dosh) and Benson’s brother Alex Ramsey on keyboards.
