Meet the Maker:

Name: Joseph Brent

What county do you live in?: Ulster

Biography:The band was started because I wanted to play with these particular musicians, who have backgrounds in classical, jazz, and many other genres. We were the winners of the LAUNCH: Emerging Artists Competition and Sara was nominated for a Grammy, the first female artist to be nominated in the category of Best Improvised Solo. Our music is largely inspired by my love for the people and scenery of the Hudson Valley.

How long have you been living/working in the Hudson Valley?: ~20 years

Where or what are your favorite things to do in the Hudson Valley?: Hiking, running, skiing, exploring, and eating!

Describe your work: 9 Horses is an improvising chamber ensemble featuring Joe Brent (formerly of Regina Spektor’s band) on acoustic and electric mandolin, 2018 GRAMMY nominee Sara Caswell (Esperanza Spalding) on violin and Hardanger d'amore, and Andrew Ryan (Kaia Kater) on bass. Featuring Brent's original compositions and the incendiary, genre-hopping virtuosity of all three members, the trio at the core of 9 Horses represents Brent's dual vision of a musical future with no barrier between the old notions of 'folk art' and 'fine art', and an ensemble capable of communicating this idea through musical canvases both great and small.

Are you an artist or maker living in the Hudson Valley?
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