Jens Winther

Jens Winther was a renowned Danish jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. Born on October 29, 1960, in Næstved, Denmark, he began playing the trumpet at the age of 10. By 18, he moved to Copenhagen to pursue a career as a professional freelance trumpeter, collaborating with notable groups like the New Jungle Orchestra and Ernie Wilkins' Almost Big Band. In 1982, he became a solo trumpeter in the DR Big Band and started composing for it in 1985. Winther later moved to New York City, where he joined the Jazz Composer's Workshop under Bob Brookmeyer and worked with artists such as Toshiko Akiyoshi and Max Roach.

Winther was also known for his work with the JW European Quartet, which gained international recognition. He founded the fusion band JW Electrazz in 2008 and was based in Berlin from 2009. His compositions spanned a wide range of genres, including works for symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and choirs. Unfortunately, Jens Winther passed away on February 24, 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland.