Laura Cortese grew up in the Bay Area but moved to Boston to study violin at the Berklee College of Music. She's accompanied an impressive list of artists: Pete Seeger, Band of Horses, and Jocie Adams. But Cortese's classical training is most intriguing when it acts as the backdrop for her own subtle, atmospheric soundscapes. Her string-centric, ambient-minded, fiddle pop has a darkness, an edge, and a passion that is evident throughout her constantly evolving catalog.

The Laura Cortese Trio performs with Cammy Enaharo and Adam Day Tuesday, October 15, 7 p.m. at Abilene Bar & Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way, $10-15, abilenebarandlounge.com.