Jackson Pines Modernizes Songs from the the Renaissance Age in New Release, “Pine Barrens, Vol. 1” with a Minimalist’s Grin

Quickly before we talk about the important thing, the music, let’s acknowledge that they’ve got a top-tier indie rock band name.

Hipster baby name + type of tree = indie gold

Influenced by folk, blues, and indie rock, Jackson Pines is a duo consisting of singer-songwriter-guitarist, Joe Mackoviecki and standup bassist, James Black. Together they put together minimalist tunes that keep a comfortable foot tap or head sway moving throughout. Perfect for a dance around a campfire or a wholesome slow dance.

Their 2023 release, Pine Barrens, Vol. 1 is a very palatable album. An easy listen. Short and sweet, it touches the cheery part of the music soul, despite leading off, “Depression Song”.

Above all that, how fucking cool is this project…

Modernizing renaissance Age Songs Connected to The Pine Barrens

The songs off this project are old American folk songs, modernized with a righteous simplicity by Jackson Pines and brought through the ages to your privileged ears.

In the 1980s, a man by the name of Merce Ridgway Jr. recorded himself singing songs his Dad wrote from the 1940s. As well as some older songs & ballads that date back to the 1800s. All of which are geographically connected to the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. “The Unquiet Grave (Child Ballad No. 78)” dates back to 1750 in New Jersey, but ALLL the way back to 15th century England. That’s the 1400s(!) for morons like me.

Joe, the guitarist/singer/songwriter transcribed them and received permission from Mr. Ridgway Jr.’s widow to publish the Jackson Pines versions of these songs that have traveled through time. The band got together and recorded the songs in the deep woods at the end of last year and now they’re here for you to enjoy wherever you get your music.

Check out this New Jersey 12 article for more info

Check them out wherever you get your music!

@jacksonpines on Instagram

From their Spotify page:

Consisting of singer-songwriter Joe Makoviecki and stand-up bassist James Black, Jackson Pines harks forward with melodies and rhythms from the past. Combining minimalistic acoustic arrangements and taking cues from the ethos of folk, blues, and indie rock, Jackson Pines tells stories of hard times, overflowing love, disappointment, and hope. In 2017 they released “Purgatory Road” produced by Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers, The Lumineers) and “Lost & Found EP” to critical acclaim. They toured around America from 2016-2019 in a F-150 and have played such varied gigs as small

theaters, clubs, festivals, schools, bars, fairs, backyards, and funerals.

Their latest full-length album “Close To Home” was released July 2021, and features a full band accompanying Joe and James’ signature rhythms and melodies.

"These guys are ‘workers in song,' to quote Leonard Cohen. They are engaged in the pursuit of music and songwriting for all the right reasons, the honest burning hunt to reach the heights." - Simone Felice

Jackson Pines have opened for Old Crow Medicine Show, Margo Price,

The Avett Brothers, Dr. Dog, Nicole Atkins, The Felice Brothers, Band of Horses, and more over the last few years across the U.S. and in the UK. They recently played to an audience of thousands at the Sea Hear Now Festival, a sold out Grape Room in Philadelphia, and are back on the road in 2022.