The band 9 Horses is rooted in the trio of Joe Brent/mand, Sara Caswell/violin and Shawn Conley, but this is no bluegrass or traditional band. Yes, there is a folksy feel to their swinging “Monochrome Shoe #2” and strumming “Movement I” from their “Perfectest herald Suite, but the advanced harmonies of the strings and veering from inside to outside at times keeps you on your toes. The pizzicato pulse from “Snow Musick” segues into a rich melody, while there is deep reflection in “Don’t Rush” and “Nano,” which is accentuated by Ben Wittman’s percussion. Each member of the team gets a spotlight in the four part “Perfectest Herald” which ranges from homespun strums to sighing violins on “Movement III.” A mix of contemplation and sophistication makes this disc highly alluring.
Sunnyside Records