The Bylines Trio with Leah Hinchcliff

The Bylines are playing Wilf's Restaurant & Bar on Saturday, October 10, as a trio with Leah Hinchcliff. It's a Portland band, and they describe what they do as jazz-inspired, story-driven pop. The two people behind it are Reece Marshburn and Marianna Thielen, who tour the Northwest as a duo and put on theatrical shows with their full ensemble.

Their background helps explain where that sound comes from. Thielen brings a history in composition, classical vocal work, and musical theater. Marshburn plays melodies rooted in classical, jazz, and pop. Together they draw on the big-band past of glamorous pop performances, and they're alumni of the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project. They've played before Randy Newman and have two records out: a self-titled studio album recorded by Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery, and a live album, The Bylines Live, recorded at Portland's Alberta Rose Theatre.

This particular show is a trio date, with Leah Hinchcliff joining them. The music is built around songwriting and storytelling, so it's as much about the lyrics as the arrangements. If you've heard them before, you know they tend toward the theatrical side of things, and this lineup keeps that in the mix. It's a local act playing in their own city, so it's an easy one to catch if you're around that weekend.

The show is at Wilf's Restaurant & Bar, 800 NW 6th Ave, starting at 7 PM on Saturday, October 10.