Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett

Saxophonist Kristen Strom has been one of the mainstays of the Bay Area jazz scenes for nearly two decades, playing with leading bands and helming the Kristen Strom Quintet. In this new project, she interprets the compositions of a legendary local hero: bassist John Shifflett, who passed in 2017.

Strom has performed with many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Steve Turre and Kevin Mahogany. In addition to her solo albums Intention and Sojourn she has recorded more than 30 albums with various jazz and pop artists. Her touring schedule has included performances across North America, Europe and Asia with the Nuclear Whales and others.

Although he was well known as a first-call sideman in many of the Bay Area's foremost ensembles, it is not common knowledge that John Shifflett (1955-2017) composed many compelling and unique pieces of music. For this tribute, Strom drew from their 25-year history of playing together, arranging a collection of his compositions that brings together some of the Bay Area's best musicians—including many of Shifflett's dearest friends—to perform and record his music.