CHRISTIAN WINTHER saxophonist | clarinetist | composer
Bio
Tenor saxophonist and composer Christian Winther has been based in New Orleans since 1997. He has established himself as a voice demanding attention on the jazz scene through his soulful sound and a style of composing that exudes an expressive melodious quality. Winther has toured the US and europe as the leader of the Christian Winther Quartet and performed as a sideman with many New Orleans jazz groups. Winther’s latest recording “Refuge In Sound” (2016 SPM) earned him critical acclaim from national and international jazz publications and features a set of all original compositions by the the leader and a cast including Allyn Johnson-piano, Reuben Rogers-bass, Mike Moreno-guitar and Billy Williams Jr.-drums.
“Refuge In Sound” has received great praise from reviewers and listeners. Travis Rogers/Jazztimes says – “Refuge in Sound” proves more than Christian Winther’s virtuosity and talent in composing, even though both are eminently true. It is a revelation of the heart and mind of the artist”. Allaboutjazz gave it 4 1/2 stars and calls it “A jewel of an album that seems to sparkle all over, Winther and crew present a glowing landscape of contemporary jazz deserving of attention”.
Winther’s saxophone style is rooted in the jazz tradition, but he exerts an openness that allows him to draw on many influences in creating and sharing his story in sound. Offbeat magazine says of Winther – “While swinging is often at the forefront, a refreshing element is the ease of how Winther moves both to more free ranging realms, while he glances back to the musics tradition”.
Some of the musicians Winther has performed and/or recorded with include: Ali Jackson, Vincent Gardner, Shannon Powell, Herlin Riley, Billy Drummond, Marcus Printup, Richard D. Johnson, Rodney Green, Reuben Rogers, Mike Moreno.
Born In Denmark, saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Christian Winther was introduced to jazz by his fathers albums of jazz masters such as Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. At age 11 Winther began playing the clarinet then soon after switched to saxophone. He studied with saxophonist Darryl Barber and attended the Skidmore Jazz Institute and was encouraged to continue his studies in jazz by the late legend Milt Hinton. Winther studied at the University of New Orleans under director Ellis Marsalis.