Best of
the Twin Cities
Brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum grew up in northeast Minneapolis, and honed their elegant country sound in the friendly confines of St. Paul’s Turf Club. The venue offered the brothers an early residency, where they blossomed as both songwriters and performers, gradually becoming one of the most compelling live acts in the Twin Cities. Their unguarded, insightful harmonies represent a stylish, modern take on legendary American pop standards made popular by the Everly Brothers and the Carpenters, with a tender nod to the early folk sound of fellow Minnesotan Bob Dylan. On their stellar 2016 album, You’re Dreaming, the duo refined that distinctive sound with the help of producer JD McPherson, delivering 10 striking tunes that range from wistful country ballads, poppy throwbacks, and rollicking rockabilly numbers. That record, the Cactus Blossoms’ first on venerable St. Paul indie label Red House Records, highlights the group’s heavenly harmonies and sizeable musical talents. Local and national audiences alike were transfixed by Dreaming, an LP that sounds contemporary and classic all at once.
