Search - Pines :: Pines

The Next Generation of Eastern Iowa Musicians Steps Up

Michael Roeder | Cedar Rapids, IA USA | 02/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Benson Ramsey along with Pieta Brown represent the next generation of Eastern Iowa musicians. Pieta is the daughter of Uber-Folkster Greg Brown and Benson is the son of Producer/Songwriter/Musician Bo Ramsey, who in addition to helping out Greg Brown for years on stage and behind the boards, has also worked with Lucinda Williams and Joan Baez. Bo is something of an institution around here and always draws a huge crowd when he plays either with his many different versions of a backing band or in support of Greg or Pieta.



Having seen Bo play live around here for going on 20 years and owning as many albums of his as I can, it is really great to hear The Pines. Benson and his partner in the Pines David Huckfelt now reside in Minnesota, but the sound they make is pure Iowa City Americana, in my opinion. This is due largely that Bo is the executive producer of the record and Dave Zollo is the co-producer along with the Pines. Also, the Pines are backed by many of Iowa City's studio heavyweights including Bo, Dave Moore, Dave Zollo, and helped out by Pieta Brown on a track. All of this pedigree gives this album an especially strong footing for a debut effort.



So, what is it like? Thankfully Amazon provides samples of each of the tracks, so you can hear it for yourself. It is pretty obvious to me that Benson gets quite a bit of his licks from his dad. Vocally, his phrasing is similar, but the similarities stop there. Bo has the weathering of experience to his recordings. The Pines is a fresh perspective. This record sits comfortably with any of the records from Trailer Records, but also holds its own next to Son Volt, Lucinda Williams, or the Jayhawks. In my opinion this album along with Pieta Brown's two albums show that the Big Sound from Iowa City will continue for another generation. For now, at least, The Pines for me will be defined somewhat by Bo's legacy, but who knows what holds for their next records?"

I've seen 'em live...

greg s. | Minnetonka, MN United States | 12/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These young men are top notch. I saw them live about a year ago, and have been awaiting this debut. Real music, by true artists.

We all need to support the real thing, because not nearly enough of it gets exposed, i.e.; heard.



Music that is: earthy, stalwart, tender, haunting, true and lasting... just like, well.. Pines.



If you REALLY love music, please buy it!





"

The pines

Brad A. Hopkins | minneapolis | 04/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like progressive folk rock in general. this pines album is quite exceptional. The tight acoustic guitar playing and the lyrics in songs like the stevenson motel and others really put you in a place where you have been or might go. I say to all readers of this review, buy it and enjoy!"