Steve Heise and Alina Josan make music together by instinct and improvisation, one string at a time. They recently discussed their artistic convergence and the birth of their first album.

CORVALLIS — Dominic “Big Bones” Botta sits outside of a cafe, playing a guitar that positively sings out the blues, echoing with a lovely, soulful twang. The guitar is made out of hubcaps and an ax ...