Jens Winther (DK), b. October 29 1960 in Næstved – d. February 24 in Geneve, was the Danish bandleader and trumpet player at the JAZZPAR 1991 Project. The other musicians in his JAZZPAR group were Tomas Franck (tenor sax), Ben Besiakov (piano), Lennart Ginman (double bass) and Al Foster featured on drums.

Winther moved to Copenhagen 18 years old and soon became a member of some important groups, among them Ernie Wilkins' Almost Big Band (1981) and the Danish Radio Big Band (1982) – while at the same time leading his own quintet. Several longer study tours in USA and Brazil developed his talent to further heights. In NEw York he has lead his own quintet and played with Joe Henderson and Kenny Barron among others.

During the 1980s, Jens Winther established himself among the most distinguished performers on his instrument in Europe and as THE prominent young trumpet soloist in Denmark. One of the most authoritative and dynamic forces on the Danish jazz scene. He combines ebnergy and intensity with a lyrical ripeness especially coming to the fore in his inspired ballad renditions. Winther's remarkable big band compositions incorporate many different influences with natural ease and when handling harmonic textures and moody variations, his original ideas and outstanding abilities are demonstrated to the full.

Special attention must be drawn to Tomas Franck's playing. He builds his solos with ease and unfailing authority, expressing thought as well as burning intensity. He is clearly a John Coltrane disciple, but Franck uses his model as a reference rather than imitating and he has few peers on the European jazz scene.