Evan Christopher explores the full range of possibilities in the New Orleans clarinet tradition with virtuosity, immaculate taste and enthusiasm. He strives to extend the legacies of early clarinet heroes such as Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard and Omer Simeon. Critics remarking on his dynamic expressiveness have coined his style “close-encounter music” (NEW YORK TIMES) and have called his respect for the music of New Orleans, “a triumph, joining the present seamlessly to a glorious past.” (THE OBSERVER, UK). Mr. Christopher's journey on Clarinet Road began in 1994, when he left his native California to join the New Orleans music community. Diverse freelance work included gigs with musicians including Al Hirt and veterans of Preservation Hall to funk and brass bands including the New Orleans Nightcrawlers and Galactic. Original songs are the high point of acclaimed recordings including Delta Bound (Arbors, 2007) featuring pianist Dick Hyman, The Remembering Song (Arbors, 2010) featuring guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, his fourth Clarinet Road CD, Bayou Chant & Other Textures (STR Digital, 2016) and a 2018 Chamber Music America commission entitled The Faubourg Variations. Evan currently lives in New York City where he raises his daughter, a budding cellist, with his partner, photographer April Renae.
Clarinet