Horse Cave Trio

Detroit,Michigan

Detroit delivers another no-nonsense band worth paying attention to. Horse Cave Trio have three full length CD’s to their name and more than a little indie credibility to match. With their first CD, 2004’s “Hot Rods, Choppers, and Rock n’ Roll,” there’s a definite roughhouse sensibility as they strut and swagger with a by numbers rockabilly disc that’s easy on the ear. Full of high energy originals with a few select covers, Horse Cave Trio deliver on their promises of a good time.

Bassist Ron Devore,  guitarist Lou Simon, and drummer Tony Bizon are able remain rockabilly purists and also play country, swing and solid blues with inspired purpose.  With their second full length, 2006’s “Curb Service,” the band up’s the ante. Starting with a deceptively understated  “Hillbilly Rock ‘n Roll,” they shuffle and swing, boogie and jump and cook each and every number as though they have something to prove.  “Springwell Swing,” “Horse Cave Boogie,” and “Groove Daddy,” all are alight with a fire and drive missing from so many rockabilly acts. This isn’t retro or nostalgia. HCT makes this music live with vibrancy and resolve.

With “Hart County,” the bands most recent release, Horse Cave Trio display a musical maturity and growth that’s almost unexpected. With songs looking inward and reflecting on life’s cruelties, these songs look inward in search of solace or comfort. “Everybody” sounds as though it was written during the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street sessions. “,” is sweet and moody, and teases like the promise of an Indian summer.  With slowed down tempos, they contemplate loss, and redemption and still deliver a solid boogie number, “Hart County Outlaw Blues,”  just to let you know it’s still them.

It’s no accident that Horse Cave Trio has been nominated for two Detroit Music Awards; “Outstanding Country Recording for Hart County,” and Outstanding Live Performance.” Vocalist Ron Devore is modest, the way that people who work at their craft are. They have worked at this for a long time and are prepared for that next step. The band is hitting their stride and while no longer just a hellraising rockabilly band, they could very well break free from the region and be the opening act that makes the headliners work a little harder.  This isMichigan’s next breakout artist, the ones that‘ll make you jump and shout and give you pause for reflection.HorseCaveTrio are radio ready and unstoppable.