Artist

Evan Christopher

New Orleans clarinet at its finest — Creole heritage, lyrical swing, contemporary voice.

“One of the world's major clarinetists.”

Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal

Book this artist Press dossier PDF

Watch

Evan Christopher @ Jazz In Marciac 2014 (Farewell Blues)Open on YouTube (opens in a new tab) ↗

Rue d'Antibes
Southern Sunset(Sidney BECHET)- Evan Christopher in France, New Orleans Jazz!
Petite Fleur (Sidney Bechet)

Line-up

Evan Christopherclarinet
(plus flexible all-European rhythm section: guitar or piano · double bass · drums optional)

Evan ChristopherShort presentationFull presentation

Evan Christopher plays the New Orleans clarinet tradition in the present tense. His sound carries the influence of Creole masters Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard and Omer Simeon, without ever settling for imitation. With a rich, singing tone, extraordinary melodic freedom and original compositions alongside rediscovered treasures, he makes early jazz a living, evolving language — deeply rooted in its history and unmistakably of today.

Clarinetist Evan Christopher is internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost interpreters of the New Orleans clarinet tradition. His warm, lyrical tone, exceptional virtuosity and deep historical insight place him at the forefront of today's classic jazz movement. Rooted in the language of Bechet, Bigard and Simeon, his style is both authentic and unmistakably personal.

A versatile bandleader and composer, Christopher has performed and recorded extensively with artists across continents. His landmark Paris recording summit with guitarist Fapy Lafertin resulted in acclaimed performances across Europe, bringing together New Orleans clarinet tradition and Gypsy jazz in a distinctive musical dialogue. He continues to collaborate with Don Vappie, Duke Heitger and numerous leading European ensembles.

Whether in intimate acoustic settings or major international festivals, Evan Christopher brings clarity, elegance and emotional depth to every performance.

Photographs

Evan Christopher — on stage — Evan Christopher

Booking Evan Christopher

Evan Christopher’s New Orleans clarinet programme works equally well in a dedicated listening room or on a festival stage. With a rhythm section configured for the venue and concert, he explores Creole songs, early jazz and his own compositions through a deeply personal, lyrical approach. The result honours the tradition without treating it as a fixed historical reconstruction.