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.

Convergence: Reckless Meter

by Jack Bowers
March 28, 2026

Even though the contours and boundaries of jazz have been substantially altered and recast through the years, it is good to know that some aspects of America's classical music remain basically unchanged, especially the propensity to design and use melodic, harmonic and rhythmic concepts as a springboard for group interaction and personal improvisation. On Reckless Meter, ...

It's One or Not One

March 22, 2026

Album: Reckless Meter
By Eric Gunnison
Label: Capri Records
Released: 2025
Duration: 6:13

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra at Dazzle

by Geoff Anderson
February 15, 2026

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Dazzle Denver, CO February 1, 2026 It is good to be flexible. It provides more options, more variety, a better ability to adapt to different situations. The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra is generally a big band, but it can slim down on a moment's notice and morph ...

Convergence: Reckless Meter

by Pierre Giroux
January 6, 2026

Colorado has long nurtured a quietly serious jazz scene, and Reckless Meter makes a compelling case that Convergence ranks among its most seasoned examples. This is not a band formed for convenience or novelty; it is an ensemble built through years of shared bandstands, rehearsals, and the kind of musical debates that foster trust. Pianist Eric ...

Reckless Meter

By Eric Gunnison

Label: Capri Records
Released: 2025
Track listing: Big Boot; Springaling; Margaret Clara; It's One or Not One; Master Jake; Cauldron; Coyote Moon;Reckless Meter.

Ronsongs

By Greg Garrison

Label: Adhyâropa Records
Released: 2025
Track listing: 1.Every Fifth Sunday 04:17 2.When Jesus Called, I Turned Away 09:53 3.Grown Folks 06:46 4.Be Humble, Be Quiet 07:45 5.Glass Jaw 07:05 6.Sleepyhead 05:54

Painting the Dream

By John Gunther

Label: Origin Records
Released: 2025
Track listing: In Praise of Softness; Mother Juggler; In Motian; Two Steps Forward; Ron Song; Blues for Dru; Painting the Dream; Us; Turn About; Play Date; Elliptical Motion; When Time Stops; Bubbles.

John Gunther, Ed Partyka, The Flying Horse Big Band & Angela Verbrugge

by Joe Dimino
November 23, 2025

Kicking off the 933rd episode of Neon Jazz, we welcome back a familiar voice to these parts--the radiant Canadian vocalist Angela Verbrugge, a true cornerstone of today's jazz landscape. From there, we launch into a wave of fresh 2025 releases lighting up the scene, featuring brilliant new work from The Flying Horse Big Band, Dom Franks, ...

Elliptical Motion

November 15, 2025

Album: Painting the Dream
By John Gunther
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2025
Duration: 05:32