Evan Christopher
Encyclopedia
Evan Christopher is an American clarinetist and composer
based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Recognized mainly for a personal brand of "contemporary early-jazz,” he strives to extend the legacy of the unique clarinet style anchored in the musical vocabulary created by early New Orleans clarinetists such as Lorenzo Tio Jr., Sidney Bechet
, Omer Simeon
, Barney Bigard
, and Johnny Dodds
.
of Southern California with Dr. Thom Mason and went on to graduate from California State University
at Long Beach where he studied clarinet with Gary Bovyer. Early mentors include clarinetists Kenny Davern
, Tony Scott
,soprano saxophonist George Probert
and bassist, Marshall Hawkins
in San Antonio, Texas in 1996. For nearly three years, he appeared nightly as their featured clarinetist and recorded several of their syndicated radio programs, Riverwalk Jazz
. Christopher returned to New Orleans, but was forced to leave again in 2005 when the Federal levees failed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
. He traveled continuously and even based himself briefly in Paris
at the invitation of the French government. During this artist-residency, he formed his current groups, the Jazz Traditions PROJECT and Django à la Créole. The latter fuses Gypsy Swing with New Orleans grooves and rhythms of “le monde Créole.” U.S. tours with Irvin Mayfield's
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra made it possible for Christopher to return to New Orleans where he has been permanently based since 2008. He is a charter member of jazz composer guild, NOLA ArtHouse Music as well as the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra based in Southern California
. Although these studies were never completed, Christopher remains an advocate for the cultural workforce and music education. From 2008-2009, he taught part-time at the University of New Orleans
where he coached a "New Orleans Music Ensemble" that performed alongside guest artists such as Lucien Barbarin
and Marcus Roberts
. As a composer, original songs appear on CDs such as "Delta Bound" featuring pianist Dick Hyman
(Arbors
, 2007), "The Remembering Song" featuring guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli
(Arbors
, 2010), and the Grammy-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra's "Book One." In July 2010, he debuted the "Treat It Gentle Suite," a concerto for clarinet and jazz band in the New Orleans style, with the Minnesota Orchestra
.
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Recognized mainly for a personal brand of "contemporary early-jazz,” he strives to extend the legacy of the unique clarinet style anchored in the musical vocabulary created by early New Orleans clarinetists such as Lorenzo Tio Jr., Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer.He was one of the first important soloists in jazz , and was perhaps the first notable jazz saxophonist...
, Omer Simeon
Omer Simeon
Omer Victor Simeon was an American jazz clarinetist. He also played soprano, alto, and baritone saxophone and bass clarinet....
, Barney Bigard
Barney Bigard
Albany Leon Bigard, aka Barney Bigard, was an American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist, though primarily known for the clarinet....
, and Johnny Dodds
Johnny Dodds
Johnny Dodds was an American New Orleans based jazz clarinetist and alto saxophonist, best known for his recordings under his own name and with bands such as those of Joe "King" Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Lovie Austin and Louis Armstrong. Dodds was also the older brother of drummer Warren "Baby"...
.
Background
His first musical training was at the Idyllwild Arts Academy (then known as the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts). After high school, he studied saxophone at the Universityof Southern California with Dr. Thom Mason and went on to graduate from California State University
California State University
The California State University is a public university system in the state of California. It is one of three public higher education systems in the state, the other two being the University of California system and the California Community College system. It is incorporated as The Trustees of the...
at Long Beach where he studied clarinet with Gary Bovyer. Early mentors include clarinetists Kenny Davern
Kenny Davern
Kenny Davern , born John Kenneth Davern, was one of the premier jazz clarinetists of his generation.-Biography:He was born in Huntington, Long Island to a family of mixed Jewish and Irish-Catholic ancestry...
, Tony Scott
Tony Scott
Anthony D. L. "Tony" Scott is an English film director. His films include Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop II, The Last Boy Scout, True Romance, Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State, Spy Game, Man on Fire, Déjà Vu, The Taking of Pelham 123, and Unstoppable...
,soprano saxophonist George Probert
George Probert
George Arthur Probert, Jr. is an American jazz clarinetist, soprano saxophonist, and bandleader active principally on the Dixieland jazz revival circuit....
and bassist, Marshall Hawkins
Career
Tours with singer-songwriter A.J. Croce in the early 1990s first brought Christopher to New Orleans. He moved there in 1994 and enjoyed varied work before leaving to join the Jim Cullum Jazz BandJim Cullum Jazz Band
The Jim Cullum Jazz Band is an acoustic seven-piece traditional jazz ensemble led by cornetist Jim Cullum, Jr.. Since 1989, the band has been featured nationally on their own weekly public radio series Riverwalk Jazz...
in San Antonio, Texas in 1996. For nearly three years, he appeared nightly as their featured clarinetist and recorded several of their syndicated radio programs, Riverwalk Jazz
Riverwalk jazz
Riverwalk Jazz is a popular weekly public radio series distributed by Public Radio International.- History :The series began broadcasting in 1989 and is produced by PVPMedia. The principal performing band on Riverwalk Jazz is the Jim Cullum Jazz Band. The series co-hosts are bandleader Jim Cullum,...
. Christopher returned to New Orleans, but was forced to leave again in 2005 when the Federal levees failed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
. He traveled continuously and even based himself briefly in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
at the invitation of the French government. During this artist-residency, he formed his current groups, the Jazz Traditions PROJECT and Django à la Créole. The latter fuses Gypsy Swing with New Orleans grooves and rhythms of “le monde Créole.” U.S. tours with Irvin Mayfield's
Irvin Mayfield
Irvin Mayfield, Jr. is an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He has been serving as Cultural Ambassador of the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana since 2003. He co-founded and has co-led the Afro-Cuban jazz group Los Hombres Calientes since 1998. Their debut album won Billboard's 2000...
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra made it possible for Christopher to return to New Orleans where he has been permanently based since 2008. He is a charter member of jazz composer guild, NOLA ArtHouse Music as well as the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra based in Southern California
Educator / Composer
Published research and presentations on the New Orleans clarinet style, and in 2002 initiated pursuit of a musicology degree at Tulane UniversityTulane University
Tulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
. Although these studies were never completed, Christopher remains an advocate for the cultural workforce and music education. From 2008-2009, he taught part-time at the University of New Orleans
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans, often referred to locally as UNO, is a medium-sized public urban university located on the New Orleans Lakefront within New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is a member of the LSU System and the Urban 13 association. Currently UNO is without a proper chancellor...
where he coached a "New Orleans Music Ensemble" that performed alongside guest artists such as Lucien Barbarin
Lucien Barbarin
Lucien Barbarin is an American trombone player, born July 17, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Barbarin tours internationally with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and with Harry Connick, Jr....
and Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts
Marcus Roberts is an American jazz pianist who has achieved fame as a stride pianist committed to celebrating classic standards and jazz traditions. Roberts has also distinguished his solos by accompanying himself with walking basslines...
. As a composer, original songs appear on CDs such as "Delta Bound" featuring pianist Dick Hyman
Dick Hyman
Richard “Dick” Hyman is an American jazz pianist/keyboardist and composer, best-known for his versatility with jazz piano styles. Over a 50 year career, he has functioned as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and, increasingly, as composer...
(Arbors
Arbors Records
Arbors Records is an independent American jazz record label based in Clearwater, Florida. It was founded by the family team of Mat and Rachel Domber in 1989, initially devoted to the recordings of their friend Rick Fay.-History:...
, 2007), "The Remembering Song" featuring guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli
Bucky Pizzarelli
John Paul "Bucky" Pizzarelli is an American Jazz guitarist and banjoist, and the father of jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and upright bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Pizzarelli has also worked for NBC as a staffman for Dick Cavett and also ABC with Bobby Rosengarden in...
(Arbors
Arbors Records
Arbors Records is an independent American jazz record label based in Clearwater, Florida. It was founded by the family team of Mat and Rachel Domber in 1989, initially devoted to the recordings of their friend Rick Fay.-History:...
, 2010), and the Grammy-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra's "Book One." In July 2010, he debuted the "Treat It Gentle Suite," a concerto for clarinet and jazz band in the New Orleans style, with the Minnesota Orchestra
Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Emil Oberhoffer founded the orchestra as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1903, and it gave its first performance on November 5 of that year. In 1968 the orchestra changed to its name to the Minnesota Orchestra...
.
As leader
- 2010 Finesse - Django à la Créole (Frémeaux & Associés)
- 2010 The Remembering Song - feat. Bucky PizzarelliBucky PizzarelliJohn Paul "Bucky" Pizzarelli is an American Jazz guitarist and banjoist, and the father of jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and upright bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Pizzarelli has also worked for NBC as a staffman for Dick Cavett and also ABC with Bobby Rosengarden in...
(Arbors RecordsArbors RecordsArbors Records is an independent American jazz record label based in Clearwater, Florida. It was founded by the family team of Mat and Rachel Domber in 1989, initially devoted to the recordings of their friend Rick Fay.-History:...
) - 2008 Django à la Créole - Django à la Créole (Frémeaux & Associés)
- 2007 Introduction: Live at the Meridien - JazzTraditions PROJECT
- 2006 Delta Bound - feat. Dick HymanDick HymanRichard “Dick” Hyman is an American jazz pianist/keyboardist and composer, best-known for his versatility with jazz piano styles. Over a 50 year career, he has functioned as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and, increasingly, as composer...
(Arbors RecordsArbors RecordsArbors Records is an independent American jazz record label based in Clearwater, Florida. It was founded by the family team of Mat and Rachel Domber in 1989, initially devoted to the recordings of their friend Rick Fay.-History:...
) - 2005 Clarinet Road Vol. II: The Road to Romance - feat. Jack SheldonJack SheldonJack Sheldon is an American bebop and West Coast jazz trumpeter, singer, and actor. He is a trumpet player and was a comedian on The Merv Griffin Show, as well as the voice heard on several episodes of the educational music television series Schoolhouse Rock.-Biography:Sheldon was born in...
& Tierney SuttonTierney SuttonTierney Sutton is an American jazz singer.A three-time Grammy Nominee for "Best Jazz Vocal Album" and "a selection by Jazzweek as Vocalist of the Year in 2005," Sutton was born in Wisconsin and was educated at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut and the Berklee College of Music in...
(STR Digital) - 2002 Music Minus One: Chicago-Style Jam Session (Music Minus OneMusic Minus OneMusic Minus One is a company that produces sheet music that comes with compact discs where the work is recorded without the soloist part . This can be used for practice. There is also a second version on the CD, where the tempo is 20% reduced...
) - 2002 The Ragpickers - including 1949 recordings by Tony ParentiTony ParentiTony Parenti was an American jazz clarinettist and saxophonist born in New Orleans, perhaps best-known for his decades of work in New York City.-Biography:...
(Jazzology) - 2001 Clarinet Road Vol. I: The Road to New Orleans (STR Digital)
- 1998 (The Hottest Clarinet...) This Side of Evan feat. members of the Jim Cullum Jazz BandJim Cullum Jazz BandThe Jim Cullum Jazz Band is an acoustic seven-piece traditional jazz ensemble led by cornetist Jim Cullum, Jr.. Since 1989, the band has been featured nationally on their own weekly public radio series Riverwalk Jazz...
(Meridian Productions, re-released by Jazzology)
As sideman or featured guest
- Mcdermott, Tom: Almost Native (Threadhead, 2011)
- Krusche, Martin: Magnetic Ear, Aliens Of Extraordinary Ability (2010)
- Perrine, Matt: Matt Perrine & Sunflower City - Bayou Road Suite (Threadhead, 2010)
- Mayfield, IrvinIrvin MayfieldIrvin Mayfield, Jr. is an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He has been serving as Cultural Ambassador of the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana since 2003. He co-founded and has co-led the Afro-Cuban jazz group Los Hombres Calientes since 1998. Their debut album won Billboard's 2000...
: New Orleans Jazz Orchestra-Book One (World Village, 2009) - Ruffins, KermitKermit RuffinsKermit Ruffins is a jazz trumpeter, singer and composer from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He has been heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan and Eddy Jefferson. Ruffins accompanies a large portion of his songs with his own vocals, and he says that the highest note he can hit...
: Livinʼ a Tremé Life (Basin Street, 2009) - McDermott, Tom: New Orleans Duets (Rabadash Records, 2009)
- Pistorius, Steve: Rags And Stomps, Solos And Duets (Solo Art, 2008)
- Edegran, LarsLars EdegranLars Ivar Edegran is a Dixieland jazz musician and bandleader. He most often plays piano, guitar, or banjo, but has also played mandolin, clarinet, and saxophone....
: New Orleans Jazz (GHB Records, 2007) - Kellso, Jon-Erik: Blue Roof Blues (Arbors RecordsArbors RecordsArbors Records is an independent American jazz record label based in Clearwater, Florida. It was founded by the family team of Mat and Rachel Domber in 1989, initially devoted to the recordings of their friend Rick Fay.-History:...
, 2006) - Heitger, Duke: Duke Heitger's New Orleans Wanderers w/ Bob HavensBob HavensBob Havens is an American big band and jazz musician who appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1960 to 1982. His instrument is the trombone....
: What Is This Thing Called Love (Jazzology, 2006) - Braud, Mark: The Spirit Of New Orleans, Live In Barcelona, (Blue Moon, 2006)
- McDermott, Tom: Choro do Norte (STR Digital, 2005)
- Edegran, LarsLars EdegranLars Ivar Edegran is a Dixieland jazz musician and bandleader. He most often plays piano, guitar, or banjo, but has also played mandolin, clarinet, and saxophone....
: Lars Edegran Presents Uncle Lionel (Jazzology, 2005) - Heitger, Duke: Krazy Kapers (Jazzology, 2003)
- Payton, WalterWalter Payton (musician)Walter Payton, Jr. was an American jazz bassist and sousaphonist.Payton was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the French Market Jazz Hall Band and the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, and led his own group called the Snap Bean Band...
: Walter Paytonʼs Gumbo Filé Band (504 Records504 Records504 Records is a record label founded by Mike Dine in 1978 that specializes in New Orleans traditional jazz.The name is inspired by the New Orleans telephone area code....
, 2002) - Patruno, Lino: Jamminʼ for Condon, Live in Ascona w/ Tom Baker (Jazzology, 2002)
- McDermott, Tom: Danza (STR Digital, 2002)
- Edegran, LarsLars EdegranLars Ivar Edegran is a Dixieland jazz musician and bandleader. He most often plays piano, guitar, or banjo, but has also played mandolin, clarinet, and saxophone....
: Lars Edegran and His New Orleans All Stars (Jazzology, 2001) - Richards, Trevor: Blame it on the Blues w/ Bernd Lhotsky (2001)
- Magri, Ronnie: Shim Sham Revue (2001)
- Heitger, Duke: Duke Heitgerʼs Big 4: Prince of Wails (Stomp OffStomp OffStomp Off is an American jazz record label.The label was founded in 1979 by Bob Erdos in York, Pennsylvania. As of ca. 2000 the label had released over 350 albums of jazz music, concentrating on ragtime, Dixieland jazz, and other traditional styles of jazz music.-Artists who have released material...
, 2001) - Clark, Kevin: New Orleans Trumpet (Summit, 2000)
- Sidney Bechet Society: Sidney Bechet Society Jam Session Concert (Nagel-Heyer Records, 2000)
- De Cauter, Koen: A Little Corner of Paradise (Jazzology, 1999)
- McDermott, Tom: Louisianthology (STR Digital, 1999)
- Richards, Trevor: City of the Blues w/ David Boeddinghaus (Jazzology, 1999)
- Cullum, JimJim Cullum, Jr.Jim Cullum, Jr. is an American jazz cornetist noted for his contributions to the Dixieland jazz tradition.Cullum's father was Jim Cullum, Sr., a clarinetist who led the Happy Jazz Band up until his death in 1973...
: Deep River feat. Topsy Chapman (Pacific Vista Productions, 1998) - Campesi, Sebastian: From the Heart (1998)
- Cullum, JimJim Cullum, Jr.Jim Cullum, Jr. is an American jazz cornetist noted for his contributions to the Dixieland jazz tradition.Cullum's father was Jim Cullum, Sr., a clarinetist who led the Happy Jazz Band up until his death in 1973...
: The Jim Cullum Jazz BandJim Cullum Jazz BandThe Jim Cullum Jazz Band is an acoustic seven-piece traditional jazz ensemble led by cornetist Jim Cullum, Jr.. Since 1989, the band has been featured nationally on their own weekly public radio series Riverwalk Jazz...
: American Love Songs (Pacific Vista Productions, 1997) - Edegran, LarsLars EdegranLars Ivar Edegran is a Dixieland jazz musician and bandleader. He most often plays piano, guitar, or banjo, but has also played mandolin, clarinet, and saxophone....
: Crescent City Christmas feat: Big Al Carson (Jazzology, 1995) - McCuller, ArnoldArnold McCullerArnold McCuller is an American vocalist, record producer, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. While establishing his own career as a singer, and working as a very busy session musician, McCuller has become best known for his work as a back-up singer for famous artists with long careers, including...
: Exception to the Rule (Coyote Records, 1994) - Edegran, LarsLars EdegranLars Ivar Edegran is a Dixieland jazz musician and bandleader. He most often plays piano, guitar, or banjo, but has also played mandolin, clarinet, and saxophone....
: Lionel FerbosLionel FerbosLionel Charles Ferbos is a New Orleans jazz trumpeter.Of slight sickly build in his childhood, his family denied his desire to play trumpet early in his youth. When he saw a petit woman trumpet player with Phil Spitalny's All Girl Orchestra, he insisted he should be able play trumpet. He learned...
, with Lars Edegran's New Orleans Band (Jazzology, 1994) - Croce, A.J.: A.J. Croce (Private MusicPrivate MusicPrivate Music is a United States record company founded in 1984 by experimental musician Peter Baumann, as a home for instrumental music. Initially signing such artists as Yanni, Suzanne Ciani, Patrick O'Hearn, and Baumann's former bandmates Tangerine Dream, the record label specialized in New Age...
, 1993)
External links
- Evan Christopher Web site
- Le ShowLe ShowLe Show is a weekly syndicated public radio show hosted by satirist Harry Shearer.The program is a hodgepodge of satirical news commentary, music, and sketch comedy...
interview: