John Gunther
John Gunther is a composer and multi-instrumentalist playing Saxophones, Clarinet, and Flute. With a restless musical spirit, he enjoys exploring all forms of jazz from traditional to avant-garde as well as classical music, world music and experimental electronic music. He has performed or recorded with many notable jazz artists including Dave Douglas, Ron Miles, Christian McBride, Bobby Watson, Wallace Roney, Larry Goldings,Tom Harrel, Dewey Redman, Joe Williams, The Woody Herman Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and The Maria Schneider Orchestra.
As part of New York city's "downtown" music scene for many years, he produced five recordings for Creative Improvised Music Projects (CIMP) and is co-founder of the contemporary jazz ensembles, "Spooky Actions" and "Convergence." John is an Associate Professor in Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder where he directs the Thompson Jazz Studies Program. He received his Ph.D. from New York University where his research examined incorporating techniques of serial music with improvisation. In 2007 he received an "Innovative Seed Grant" to create the Boulder Laptop Orchestra and to further explore the intersection of music, performance, art, and technology. His work with BLOrk has led to further collaboration with the STEM program at CU exploring informal science education through the arts. His most recent recording, "Safari Trio" with Brad Shepik and John Hadfield, can be found on the Dazzle Jazz Record Label and his website, johngunthermusic.com