JAZZ WITH A TWIST TRIO:
We play jazz with a "twist" going beyond standards, featuring tunes from Paul Simon to Pat Metheny, George Gershwin to George Benson, Sting to Sinatra (Nancy!) - we might even play a reggae/calypso version of "All About That Bass" (with over 1 billion YouTube views)!!

We fit particularly well in intimate venues: small bars, cafes, and wineries. We play at Windy Oaks Winery, Ella's at the Airport, Testarossa Winery, Cantine Winepub, the Crow's Nest . . . 

The trio features guitarist Carl Atilano, percussionist Michael Strunk and I play upright bass and sing.

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Carl Atilano (Guitar):  
Originally from Venezuela, and living most of his life in Southern California, Carl came to Santa Cruz to pursue a music degree from UC Santa Cruz, graduating in 2009.  He is the Music Director for Musicians Mobile, a teaching service in the Silicon Valley.  He performs as a soloist and with several local jazz ensembles.

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Michael Strunk (Drums/Percussion):   
Michael is the Music Department Chair at Cabrillo College where he teaches world music, percussion, and Latin American music.  He started playing drums at age ten and began his professional career while still in high school.  As a musician and recording artist he enjoys all styles of music - orchestral and chamber music, jazz, musical theater, and popular music styles.

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Joan Lowden (Bass/Vocals):

I have been playing music most of my life – I minored in classical voice at CSULB, studied jazz voice at the Guildhall School of Music in London, and I have been playing upright acoustic bass for over 10 years, completing Ray Brown’s jazz improvisation series at Cabrillo College.Over the years I have played in bluegrass, blues, Dixieland, Latin and Hawaiian bands, as well as various jazz and Latin ensembles at Cabrillo College.

We frequently collaborate with guest musicians, including Naoki Taniguchi (sax/clarinet), Terrel Eaton (sax/flute) and Stephanie Gelman (flute).
 

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