Osso is a New York-based String Quartet performing a self-arranged repertoire that spans the gap between contemporary classical and indie rock. The group began as members of My Brightest Diamond, playing concerts that included segments of baroque aria amidst a set of Shara Worden’s haunting songs. In 2005, Osso members recorded string parts for two Asthmatic Kitty releases: My Brightest Diamond’s “Bring Me The Workhorse†and Sufjan Stevens’ “Illinois.†After touring with both bands in 2006, Osso was engaged as artists in residence at the 2007 Music Now Festival. In addition to performing with Clogs, My Brightest Diamond and Sufjan Stevens, the group premiered string quartet arrangements of four songs from Sufjan’s “Enjoy Your Rabbit,†an album of electronic music. Joined by members of Amiina and percussionist David Cossin, Osso also premiered “Thorri,†a piece for string quartet, saw and marimba by Maria Huld Markan Sigfusdottir. The Music Now Festival marked the debut of the name “Osso†and a determination to record a full length adaptation of “Enjoy Your Rabbit†for release in 2008. Osso continues to perform with My Brightest Diamond and Sufjan Stevens while its individual members enjoy successful freelance careers collaborating with artists including Jay-Z, Duncan Sheik, Antony and the Johnsons, The Walkmen, Alice and Ravi Coltrane, The New Pornographers, Polyphonic Spree, Savion Glover, Oneida, Burt Bacharach and Kanye West.
The group's discography includes "Illinois" and "Songs for Christmas" by Sufjan Stevens, "Bring Me the Workhorse" by My Brightest Diamond, Asthmatic Kitty Records "Mews Too" and "Achoo Volume 2" samplers, and forthcoming releases by My Brightest Diamond and Clogs. Additionally, Osso was featured on David Garland's WNYC radio show, "Spinning on Air," performing and discussing their "Enjoy Your Rabbit" arrangements.
