Jens Winther

Born 29. 10. 1960 in Næstved, Denmark. Started playing the trumpet 10 years old. Soon he was playing professionally in the jazz-area with various local groups, New Jungle Orchestra, Candentia Nova Danica, Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band and others. Since 1982 solo trumpet player in the Danish Radio Big Band (Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra) where he soon started to write for the Big Band. He left the Big Band and Denmark in 1989 and moved to New York where he played with names such as Toshiko Akoishi Big Band, Eddie Palmieri, Kenny Barron, Max Goach, Tito Puente, Marie Bauza Orchestra, and others.

Back in Denmark 1991. Doing various writing and playing projects for the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian Radio, UMO Big Band in Finland and the German Radio Bands, WDR in Cologne, NDR in Hamburg, and SDR in Stuttgart. Worked full-time since 1991 as a composer and trumpet soloist besides having his own small group (Jens Winther Group). Has written various commissioned works for Danish symphony orchestras in Aalborg, Århus, Randers, the Danish Radio Sinfonietta, and especially the Danish Radio Big Band.

Throughout the years Jens Winther has toured with such musicians as Joe Henderson, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Bob Brookmeyer, Thad Jones and Al Foster. He has occasionally performed with Miles Davis (on 'Aura'), Hermeto Pasocal, Dizzy Gillespie, Cella Cruz, Clark Terry, Abdullah Ibrahim, Michel Camillo, and others.

Has recorded more than 20 CD's. 'The Escape' is the seventh in his own name. His CD 'The Planet' with Jens Winther Group got in 1996 a Grammy for 'Best Danish Jazz Recording of the Year'. Among his many awards and prizes: Sonning's Music Grant (1982), The Ben Webster Prize (1987), A prize of honour from the organisation of Danish Jazz, Beat and Folk Authors (1993), and several prizes in the International Competition of Jazz Themes, Monaco (2nd prize 1988, 1st prize 1990, 1st prize 1991, 1st prize 1996, 2nd prize 1997). He is the only one in the world who has got the 1st prize three times.