Singer/songwriter Amy Obenski has enjoyed recognition and success from her personal style of folk-jazz fusion with a contemporary twist. Though Obenski is currently working on her fourth album, she’s made the time to stop by to perform an intimate show at Lompoc’s own D’Vine Wine Bar on June 3.
Obenski is no stranger to Lompoc. She’s performed at Howlin’ Byroon’s Music Exchange regularly on her California tours.
“They seem really dedicated to music at that location,” she said. “I played there a lot, and they told me to check out the D’Vine Wine Bar.”
The bar offers a relaxed setting that pairs well with Obenski’s music. Her own twist on folk and jazz piano accompanies haunting melodies sung with a smoky, sultry style that have earned her plenty of fans—many of whom are in Lompoc.
“The people who have come so far have been really amazing,” she said. “They keep coming to see me. They buy my T-shirts and wear them to the shows. It’s really cute!”
Based in Santa Cruz, Obenski graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in environmental studies and a minor in music. Trained classically in piano since childhood—and singing in choirs, too—led her to a refined sense of musicality that transitioned seamlessly to jazz and songwriting. She’s been cutting albums for several years and touring up and down the coast.
Obenski gained national attention when her song “Carousel” was used in a 2007 episode of the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Following that episode, Obenski said, there was an explosion of downloads from iTunes and other online mp3 sites.
“It was very exciting,” she said, “I had an e-mail one day from the editor of the show who said she had used my song in the show but she wasn’t sure if it would be used or not. I was so excited; I was jumping around the house the first day.”
“Carousel” was from Obenski’s second album, Kite, released in 2006. Her latest album, From the Deep, was released in 2008. A fourth album is currently in the works. The most interesting aspect of Obenski’s upcoming album is that she’s been recording most of it herself.
“My third album I actually invested in my own equipment, so I had my own little studio,” she said. “This one is a big project for me; it’s the most tracks I’ve ever had per song.”
“Track” refers to a recorded performance layered in with a previous performance. And it’s no surprise she needs more tracks; she has more musicians! Her third album will include a string quartet on several songs.
“It’s more of a production than my other albums, so it’s taking more coordination,” she said. “But just the other day, I recorded a whole string quartet in my living room!”
The intensive time required to set up and execute a recording session is nothing compared to mixing the album, which Obenski also does. Mixing is the lengthy process of editing—track by track—each moment of a song using digital software.
All the time required to produce her album has kept Obenski off the road as far as performing is concerned. Her upcoming show in Lompoc is only one of two performances she’ll be giving. The day after her show at the D’Vine Wine Bar, she’ll be heading north to the Parkfield Music Festival.
Her album is slated for completion within the next few months. Obenski has an ambitious touring schedule planned following the release of her new album, including a tour of Europe with stops in England, Holland, Belgium, and France.
But for now, Obenski is happy to play the show in Lompoc, where admission is free for music fans. Obenski will be performing solo with her trusty digital piano and her jazz-steeped tunes. Who knows? You may get a sneak peek at this artist’s upcoming album.
Classical master
Brigitte Hough, a classical pianist currently pursuing a doctorate in piano performance at UCSB, presents a program of classical piano and operatic vocal music on June 5 at 1:30 p.m., Unity Chapel of Light, 1165 Stubblefield Road, Orcutt. Donations are accepted. More info: 937-3025.
Wine, dine, and dance
Firestone Winery presents the “First Friday Free Concert Series,” featuring the Vineyard Bird Band in concert on June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the winery, 5000 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos. More info: prmarketinggroup@yahoo.com.
Music in the garden
Singer/songwriter Bent Myggen hosts the “Free Garden Concerts” on Saturdays and Sundays through summer from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crooked Path, 2885 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. More info: thecrookedpath.org.
Get down at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon presents a concert by country group the J.D. Bernal Band on June 3 at 8:30 p.m. followed by Late Night DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Concert on the Deck with “Just Dave” is June 4 at 3 p.m., and the J.D. Bernal Band performs at 9:30 p.m., followed by Late Night DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. The “Country and Bluegrass Festival” features the guest band Murphy’s Exception in concert June 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., all at the Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 2-9, 2011.