Creole Style Clarinet Phenomenon Evan Christopher

For over 35 years, Evan Christopher has proven to be one of the world’s leading performers in the New Orleans “Creole Style” of clarinet playing. His unique “woody” sound (performed on the seldom-heard Albert System clarinet) and breathtaking command, coupled with unending musical improvisations, preserve but expand on the musical heritage of early masters of New Orleans clarinet playing such as Barney Bigard, Sidney Bechet, Albert Nicholas, Edmund Hall and Omer Simeon. His repertoire encompasses great classics of early jazz, overlooked or forgotten masterpieces, as well as his originals. Listeners will experience a living walk-through jazz clarinet history, with a look at its future as Evan presents his “Contemporary Traditional Jazz.”

Evan Christopher, clarinet; Mike Karloff, piano; Mike Karoub, cello; Erik McIntyre, acoustic guitar