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.

John Gunther Trio: In This World

by Jeff Stockton
May 17, 2005

The CIMP label has established a sound as distinctive as Blue Note's was in the '60s, but its artistic stance, outlined in the “Statement of Purpose printed on the tray card of each release, causes as much consternation and controversy as the “ECM Sound did in the '70s. Recorded directly to two tracks, in real time ...

John Gunther Trio: In This World

by Derek Taylor
February 11, 2005

Guys like John Gunther have been crafting memorable, forthright music at CIMP for years. This date marks his fifth date for the imprint, but the myopic radar of most jazz press still has yet to detect his presence as a player of strong merit. The set also marks a return to both the instrumentation and affiliations ...