One Horse Shy is a gathering of five synergetic songwriters and seasoned musicians delivering a fresh blend of American roots music. The band features the powerful songwriting and vocal performances of Manda Bryn and Cris Kelly, a combination that creates a perfect storm of musical talent. One Horse Shy also takes advantage of the writing and singing talents of bassist and mandolin player Mysha Caruso. Rounding out the band are percussionist Bryan Helfrich and dobro, lap steel player and vocalist Bob Evoniuk. The Americana style quintet formed in 2007 has taken the Northwest music scene by storm while developing a following from Seattle to San Antonio and beyond. Their debut self-titled album has found favor with radio stations across the country.
With influences ranging from Johnny Cash to Gillian Welch and Bill Monroe to James McMurtry, One Horse Shy’s sound is the culmination of 100 years of roots music distilled into a powerful blend of evocative ballads and foot-stomping roots rock. One Horse Shy engages their listeners with unforgettable harmonies, artful song crafting, and vivid lyrical imagery as is evident by their performances of audience favorites as well as original songs from the satirical “California” to the thumping beat of “Honey in My Tea”.
“On their excellent debut, One Horse Shy deftly manages the delicate balance between intelligence and memorable melody, soul and song craft. Their heartfelt Americana is showcased on one of the finest CDs to come out of our local region. Given their charisma in live performance as well, they have quickly built a regional following and have clear potential for national recognition.”
Eric Alan, Music Director - Jefferson Public Radio - Ashland, Oregon
"Manda Bryn sings as if she knows something the audience doesn’t - and her voice is the agent of insight. It is this communication that gives her such a demanding and artful presence on stage."
Sneak Preview - Ashland, OR
ONE HORSE SHY: Our Story
Rarely does a band emerge on the scene armed with five singers, five multi-instrumentalists and as many songwriters. Since coming together in 2007, One Horse Shy has not wasted any time getting down to business. In the span of only two years the band released their highly touted self titled debut album, is poised to release their follow-up, has been featured at such venues as the Peter Britt Festival, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival green show, the Wintergrass Festival, the Rogue Theatre, public radio’s West Coast Live and countless other appearances between San Antonio and Seattle. Capable of sending a packed house into a dancing frenzy, the band has engendered fans up and down the West Coast as well as points east as far as the British Isles and mainland Europe via Internet radio. Have you ever found yourself wondering where that tune you’ve been humming for the last couple of days came from? If you recently attended a One Horse Shy show, chances are it’s only one of a half a dozen or so melodies that will accompany you for a few days courtesy of the bands powerful song writing skills. Coming from points as diverse as Massachusetts, Minnesota, Indiana, Virginia and Oregon, the members of One Horse Shy found each other and have combined their years of musical influences and skills to create their own unique brand of Americana. Their repertoire features compositions infused with irresistible drive guaranteed to shake the dance floor and ballads laced with enough sensitivity to sweep even the most ardent wallflower into the mix, wondering where they learned to waltz so well.
“On their excellent debut, One Horse Shy deftly manages the delicate balance between intelligence and memorable melody, soul and song craft. Their heartfelt Americana is showcased on one of the finest CDs to come out of our local region. Given their charisma in live performance as well, they have quickly built a regional following and have clear potential for national recognition.” --Eric Alan, Music Director -- Jefferson Public Radio -- Ashland, Oregon "Manda Bryn sings as if she knows something the audience doesn’t, and her voice is the agent of insight. It is this communication that gives her such a demanding and artful presence on stage." Sneak Preview -- Ashland, Oregon "The polls are closed, the votes counted and One Horse Shy has been selected as " Ashland's Favorite Band" for 2008." -- www.planetashland.net