"I wrote Horse throughout the entirety of my senior year. All 15 songs have gone through many iterations and, in many cases, titles— it's been quite a journey and learning experience. The album focuses on the theme of detachment, utility, and positioning, centering around the idea of a horse— a living means of transportation. The songs draw on both the experiences of myself and others through a personal lens, often touching on relationship dynamics, self-conception, or a combination of the two. Each song tells a story, albeit some more literally than others. Regardless, my writing focuses on the development of narrative and headspace, with each song serving as a vignette of sorts." 
 

The songs are as follows: 

 

Bo Canfield, voice/piano
Noel Hixson, bass
Joseph Fitzgerald, drums

Auriel Prepejchal, trumpet

 

Bo Canfield is a senior at Washington University, double-majoring in Psychology and Music with a minor in Writing. From Foxboro, Massachusetts, Bo began composing music shortly after learning how to play piano at age 7. Despite not taking formal piano lessons until college, Bo grew up playing piano with jazz ensembles and accompanying singers. While he enjoys writing instrumental music, having now scored three short films for students in the film department, his main passion is songwriting. Bo began songwriting in his sophomore year of college, after discovering a love for poetry and creative writing. His debut album, "Horse," focuses on Bo's relationships with others, touching on themes of distance, attachment, and personal patterns. His main inspirations include Elliott Smith, Alex G, and the Beatles, prioritizing musical and lyrical content over elaborate production and instrumentation. Bo is currently working on producing an EP with a few of the songs off the album and hopes to release it by the end of May. He hopes you not only enjoy the performance but also connect with the personal elements behind his songwriting.

 

I would like to thank my composition mentor, Professor Stark, for his continuous support and guidance throughout the years. Without his help, this album would not have been able to be performed. I would also like to thank my jazz piano instructor, Kara Baldus-Mehrmann, for her guidance in improving my piano technique and part writing. She has consistently been one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I would also like to thank my fellow performers, Noel, Joseph, and Auriel, for their willingness to contribute their time and talent to this project. Finally, I would like to thank my parents for always encouraging me to participate in the arts and engage with my creativity. Without them, I would never have become the musician I am today.