Home » Jazz Articles » Story City
Jazz Articles about Story City
Story City: Times and Materials
by Hrayr Attarian
Named after a town in Iowa, where drummer Steve Jennings' grandparents used to live, Story City is an octet of likeminded musicians exploring the interface between jazz and more pop-oriented styles. Jennings not only founded the group, but also co-leads it with bassist Terry Burns on Story City's debut, Time and Materials. The emphasis is on pleasant harmonies and complex arrangements rather than individual improvisations, as the group stays safely close to the melodies. The title track, ...
read moreAnna Estrada: Obsesion
by Woodrow Wilkins
Laughter is said to be the best medicine, but music can be quite soothing as well. Anna Estrada, an emergency room physician, heals with a collection of love songs on Obsesion, her second release. The Bay Area vocalist studied medicine instead of fine arts. But with a mother who sang, music became her second calling. Accompanied by a variable lineup that includes co-producer Ray Scott on guitar, Estrada shares the love in a variety of ways.
read more