Liz Story (born October 28, 1956, in San Diego, California) is an American pianist and composer best known for her lyrical, impressionistic instrumental music that helped define the Windham Hill Records aesthetic in the 1980s and 1990s.
Liz Story began playing piano at a young age and later studied at Juilliard School and Hunter College in New York. A pivotal moment came when she heard Bill Evans perform. This encounter inspired her to pursue improvisation and jazz-inflected harmony rather than a purely classical path.
Notable Albums
Solid Colors (1983), her debut album on Windham Hill, praised for its crystalline tone and serene atmosphere.
Unaccountable Effect (1985), showcased her growth as a composer with richer textures and harmonic depth.
Part of Fortune (1986), was more dynamic and improvisatory, exploring broader moods.
Escape of the Circus Ponies (1988), a playful yet deeply expressive collection with cinematic overtones.
Speechless (1988, compilation), featured favorites from her early albums.
17 Seconds to Anywhere (1990), lush and contemplative, expanding her harmonic palette.
Liz Story: Christmas (1994), a graceful set of solo arrangements of holiday classics.
Night Sky Essays (2000), mature and meditative, blending jazz sensibility with impressionist nuance.
Liz Story is often cited alongside George Winston, Will Ackerman, and Michael Hedges as one of the leading voices of the Windham Hill era. Her music has been featured in films, radio programs, and instrumental playlists that emphasize serenity, focus, and emotional reflection.
Despite being placed within the "New Age" genre, many critics recognize her as a serious composer-pianist whose work bridges jazz, classical, and contemplative traditions, akin to Keith Jarrett’s lyrical solo work or the quieter sides of Chick Corea.