Since moving to New Orleans in 1997 Christian Winther has established himself as one of the most in-demand saxophonists on the New Orleans jazz scene through his strong versatile sound. His four recordings on the venerable Steeplechase label have earned him critical acclaim from many national and international jazz publications. Jazz Times noted of Winther's latest release "Soul House" -"It marks his rise as another promising tenor saxophonist among the ranks of well schooled young jazz musicians". He has toured the US and Europe as the leader of the Christian Winther Quartet and performed as a sideman with many New Orleans groups.

Some of the musicians Winther has performed, recorded and collaborated with include: Richard Doron Johnson/Christian Winther duo, Ali Jackson, Fredrick Sanders, Vincent Gardner, Herlin Riley, Billy Drummond, Marcus Printup, and Gregory Tardy. Locally he has been featured with the Shannon Powell Quartet, Thais Clark, Kermit Ruffins, Topsy Chapman, and Larry Sieberth among others.

Winther's latest recording will be released August 2011 and is entitled "From The Sound Up". It features original compositions by Winther and an all-star quintet comprised of musicians with roots in the New Orleans and New York scenes: Peter Martin - piano, Roman Skakun - vibes, Rueben Rogers - bass and Rodney Green - drums.

Winther's playing is strongly rooted in the jazz tradition, but he exerts a versatility that allows him to apply his sound and spirit to many varied musical situations. Winther notes: “being a musician in New Orleans, you are privileged to experience so much different music as part of everyday life, and you start to realize how you can draw from all those sources”.

Offbeat says of Winther - "While swinging is often at the forefront, a refreshing element is the ease of how Winther moves both to more free ranging realms, while he glances back to the music's tradition".

Born In Denmark, saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Christian Winther was introduced to jazz by his fathers albums of jazz masters such as Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. At the age of 11 Winther began playing the clarinet; Louis Armstrong was among his first influences. Then Winther heard the music of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane and the saxophone seemed the logical next step. He studied with saxophonist Darryl Barber and attended the Skidmore Jazz Institute program and was encouraged to continue his studies in jazz by the late legend Milt Hinton. Winther studied at the University of New Orleans with Ellis Marsalis, Ed Petersen, Victor Goines, Steve Masakowski and Harold Battiste. While attending the University of New Orleans he performed with notable jazz names such as Frank Morgan, Ellis Marsalis, Alvin Red Tyler and Harold Battiste.

Christian Winther released his debut CD “Perspectives” in 2001(curious cat records). Following his debut CD Winther has to date released 3 recordings on the SteepleChase label, his label debut, “Blue Function” (2004), “The Only Plan” January (2006), “Soul House” (featuring Marcus Printup, Richard Johnson, Carlos Henriquez and Ali Jackson (2008). Winther also participated in a 3 tenor tenor "jam session" recording with Gregory Tardy and Wayne Escoffery (2006).