Aneesa Strings on Bass
Aneesa Al-Musawwir, who performs under the name Aneesa Strings, is a multifaceted musician known for her powerful voice, virtuoso bass playing, and deeply thoughtful songwriting. Born and raised in East Oakland, California, her early life was steeped in music education through public school programs, where a middle school band teacher named Randy Porter first recognized her talent.
Her formative years included a long commute carrying her upright bass to participate in SFJAZZ’s High School All-Stars program. That dedication paid off: she was mentored there by seasoned jazz educators and fellow young musicians, which established a strong foundation in jazz theory and performance.
Aneesa went on to study at the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. During this time, she picked up gigs around Los Angeles—notably playing bass on a Spanish-language TV show—which helped her grow both as a performer and as a recording artist.
After USC, she pursued further academic training, earning a Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, supported by a full scholarship. There, she studied under bassist Rodney Whitaker and developed both her skill on the bass and her voice as a fronting artist.
Aneesa’s recording career began in earnest with her debut album A Shift in Paradigm, funded in part by connections she made through SFJAZZ. The album marked her emergence as Aneesa Strings, blending intricate basslines with soulful vocals and original compositions.
Her follow-up album, Ways, released in 2019, further defined her sound: its songs fuse R&B, soul, and jazz in socially conscious narratives. Tracks like “Lovealution” reflect her desire to bridge divides and provoke thoughtful conversation through her music.
Aneesa Strings’ more recent work continues to gain momentum. Her EP The Calm, released in early 2025, was inspired by the chaotic news cycle of 2024 and her own emotional journey. She describes the EP as a space for collective breathing and self-regulation, offering listeners a musical refuge.
The lead single from The Calm, titled “We Are the Music,” was written by Aneesa herself (under her full name, Aneesa Al-Musawwir) and produced by David Michael Ott. The song resonated strongly: it climbed to #1 on SiriusXM’s Heart & Soul channel, staying there for weeks.
Following that, she released “Gramercy Place,” a tender, boundary-setting song about vulnerability and navigating the tension between desire and self-preservation in relationships. The third single, “All In My Mind,” deals with self-doubt, belief, and the internal battle to trust one’s own visions.
Her collaborators are a testament to her ambition and musical sophistication. On The Calm, she works with industry heavyweights including James Gadson (legendary drummer), Curtis Williams, Ron “T’Nava” Avant, as well as long-time creative partners Greg Paul and Brandon Cordova.
Though she is based in Los Angeles now, her connection to Oakland remains strong. In interviews, she has spoken about performing at Yoshi’s (a famed Bay Area venue) and paying tribute to her hometown roots, even as she builds her career on a national and international scale.
Beyond performance, Aneesa has also made meaningful contributions through education. She teaches at the Stanford Jazz Workshop and performs in SFJAZZ School Day Concerts, passing on her knowledge to younger musicians—a role she says is deeply important given the impact of her own early mentors.
In all her work, Aneesa Al-Musawwir stands out as a creative force who bridges worlds: jazz and soul, performance and pedagogy, emotional vulnerability and technical mastery. Her journey from East Oakland public school programs to touring artist underscores her commitment not just to her craft, but to building space for others in her community and in the music world.
