Musical Stories
Audio and print versions of stories from spoken word/live music groups.
Jazz Stories
Beyond the Border -
Stories of the Latin World
New Projects
Podcasts
Listen to samples of music by and comments about artists playing jazz, Latin, Afropop and other styles, in short audio downloads.
Works in Print
Selected writings about music and culture.
What they’re saying about …
Jazz Stories
“…moving and focused.” — Doug Ramsey, Jazz Times
“…a hip version of Peter and the Wolf.” — Lalo Schifrin
“…Fascinating narratives.” — George Fendel, Jazzscene
What they’re saying about …
Beyond the Border – Stories of the Latin World
” …a wonderfully rich, expressive voice, well paired with Alfredo Muro’s intense guitar.” — Luciana Lopez, Pop Music critic, The Oregonian
” … impressive in terms of its seamless integration of music with story line … Muro’s understated guitar work and brilliant arranging capture the culture of each story’s subject.” — Wayne Thompson, Jazzscene
True stories in an interplay of words and music
Here you’ll find Lynn Darroch’s musical stories, interviews with musicians, and other entertainment and commentary, both audio and written. Listen to tales of encounters with Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter, Ruben Blades, Eliades Ochoa and many others, including immigrant children and Lima’s tamale vendors. Discover some history or sample Darroch’s comments on contemporary artists and events. And hear the music of
- John Stowell and Rob Davis (Jazz Stories)
- Alfredo Muro and Dave Fischer (Beyond the Border)
- Pere Soto (New Projects)
Darroch’s work is drawn from experience: music journalism for magazines and newspapers, including The Oregonian and Jazz Times; book chapters about cultural history, including The Encyclopedia of United States Popular Culture and the Afterword to Jumptown: the Golden Years of Portland Jazz; college teaching; radio broadcasting; and performing.
Next Live Performances!
NEW Jazz Stories - Local Heroes and Other American Originals
with Randy Porter (piano) and David Evans (saxophone)
Plus - Latin Stories set with Alfredo Muro (guitar) and Carlton Jackson (percussion)
Friday, December 5 — 8-11 p.m. (minors welcome until 9:30 p.m.)
The Cave at the Green Onion Restaurant (636 S.W. Jackson St.)
$5
We’re available for live performances!
- Jazz Stories performances
with Randy Porter (piano) and David Evans (tenor sax)
or John Stowell (guitar) and Rob Davis (tenor sax). - Beyond the Border - Stories of the Latin World
performances
with Alfredo Muro (guitar) and Gary Hobbs or Carlton Jackson (percussion).
Contact us.
Venues hosting Jazz Stories and Beyond the Border performances have included: Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Wordstock, the Kennedy School, Jimmy Mak’s, RiverPlace Hotel, Borders Books and Music, Portland Public Libraries, KMHD and KBOO radio, The Cave at the Green Onion, Warner Pacific College, and Mt. Hood Community College.