Ethan Winogrand
Biography Ethan Winogrand
Ethan Winogrand
is a contemporary jazz composer, producer, drummer and band leader. His most recent projects include the sound track to the upcoming PBS|American Masters documentary Garry Winogrand ‘All Things Are Photographable’, a feature length film which explores one of the most influential photographers of the late 20th century. He is also putting final touches on a new collection of works for jazz quartet titled: Flood Gates, featuring Matthew Simon on trumpet. Flood Gates will mark Winogrand’s sixth album of original music as a leader.
Ethan, born and raised in New York City, first made an impact in the music scene as drummer for the new wave/punk band JOE COOL, who were a fixture at Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s during the explosive late 70’s scene. The band regularly opened for The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and Television, among others. In the early ‘80’s he became the drummer for UNKNOWN GENDER, the groundbreaking art-rock, genderbending, funk trio, signed to Polydor Metronome GmbH. The band headlined European music festivals and top venues for ten years, part of which time Winogrand lived and worked in Copenhagen, Denmark as the band became a staple of early MTV Europe.
In 1987, Winogrand returned to the United States where he continued his pursuit of jazz. Shortly after returning, Carla Bley called Ethan to appear on her daughter Karen Mantler’s debut album, produced by Steve Swallow. He subsequently recorded on her second CD as well as joined her European tours in support of both CDs. It was while working with Mantler that Ethan met Eric Mingus. The two have since appeared on each other´s numerous recordings. In addition Ethan joined Eric´s European tours, including a critically acclaimed duo performance at the Teatro Olympia Paris.
During the next decade, Ethan would become a fixture in the New York downtown art/rock/jazz scene, regularly appearing at The Knitting Factory, China Club, The Kitchen, Cornelia St. Café and more, where he collaborated with top jazz and crossover artists, including Catherine Russell, Matt Munisteri, Donny McCaslin, Steven Bernstein and others.
He opened Spokes Studio in 1998, first in Brooklyn NY, until migrating to Oviedo Spain in 2000, where he and the studio reside today. Winogrand continues to compose for his trio and quartet formations and has released a steady body of work from Spokes Studio through the years. Ethan has never stopped performing his music or the music of musicians he plays with regularly in Spain and throughout Europe and NYC.
