Saxophonist Kristen Strom has been a mainstay on the Bay Area music scene for nearly two decades, acclaimed for beautifully rendered melodies, exceptional tonality, and accomplished musicianship. Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Steve Turre, and Jon Faddis. In addition to her solo album, “Intention”, she has recorded more than 25 CDs with various jazz and pop artists and her touring schedule has included performances across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Kristen is married to guitarist Scott Sorkin.
The 2 couples, Jennifer and Rene, Scott and Kristen, met in a S.F. Bay Area Brazilian group, Ed Johnson and Novo Tempo. Kristen and Scott played on Jennifer’s CD “Emotional Girl” and Jennifer sang on Kristen’s CD “Intention.” It was a natural evolution to do a project together, and Crossing Borders was born.
Composer/Producer/Engineer at Open Path Studios in San Jose, his performance and recording credits include Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo, Count Basie Orchestra, Steve Turre & Michael Turre, Smith Dobson, Anton Schwartz, Louie Bellson, Royal Society Jazz Orchestra of San Francisco.
A versatile and in-demand drummer in the S.F. Bay Area for recording and performance, Jason has played with a variety of talented musicians including; Joshua Breakstone, John Stowell, Gary Burton, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Larry Coryell, Darol Anger, Regina Carter, Johnny Frigo, James Carter, John Handy, Mark Levine, Peter Apfelbaum, Dmitri Matheny, and Kurt Elling. He has toured and recorded with Boz Scaggs, Michael Brook, Ann Dyer and Taylor Eigsti.
Rene Worst, an internationally known and very well respected jazz bass player, has also established himself as a leading bassist in North America for several decades.
Rene was co-leader of the now-legendary fusion band Skywalk with six CD’s to their credit. He has toured Canada with jazz legends Chet Baker, Gene Bertoncini and Joe Pass, and on the international scene, has toured the former Soviet Union with Paul Horn.
Rene Worst has recorded and performed with numerous jazz greats, including Jack Sheldon, Tommy Banks, Herb Ellis, Freddie Hubbard, Ernestine Anderson, John Faddis. He has also been featured on recordings by Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Bowie, Aerosmith and Poison. Rene also recently released a duo album with pianist Miles Black called “Two” – it has received much critical acclaim. Rene’s studio works include jingles, album projects, and movie scores.
