John Gunther

John Gunther — Saxophonist • Composer • Multi-Reedist • Educator

John Gunther picked the saxophone in third grade because he liked its shape—and everything since has grown from that lucky choice. He’s now an acclaimed performer, composer, collaborator, and educator whose work moves fluently between jazz, classical, new music, chamber settings, world traditions, and electronics. “In the 21st century, we carry the sum of human music in our pockets,” he says. “Part of our job as artists is to figure out how to process and navigate that.” Gunther draws on jazz, folk, classical, and global “style tributaries,” shaping them with an ear for melody, groove, and narrative.