Niklas Winter, a Finnish guitarist and composer celebrated for his captivating jazz explorations, stands as a prominent figure in the Scandinavian and international jazz scene. Heavily influenced in his formative years by jazz guitar icons like John Scofield and Pat Metheny, Winter’s musical journey also encompasses a deep appreciation for the artistry of Sonny Rollins, Keith Jarrett, and John Coltrane, demonstrating a broad and sophisticated musical palette.
The Genesis of a Jazzy Guitarist
When asked about his initiation into the world of guitar playing and what sparked his passion for jazzy guitar, Winter recounts a childhood immersed in music. “I began playing the guitar at six, using my older sister’s acoustic,” he shares. Initially drawn to classical music, his innate creative spirit quickly emerged as he started composing his own pieces. However, it was the allure of jazz that truly captivated him. “What inspired me to play jazz was the sound of the complex chords and harmonies inherent in the jazz style,” Winter explains, highlighting the sophisticated sonic textures that drew him into the genre.
Formal Training and Artistic Growth
Winter’s pursuit of musical excellence led him to formal studies at the Turku Conservatory in Finland and later at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Reflecting on his conservatory experience, he acknowledges the long-term benefits of his classical training. “At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the extent to which my classical studies would benefit me,” Winter admits. “However, this classical foundation has been instrumental in shaping my unique approach to playing, improvising, and composing.” He emphasizes the discipline and intimacy with the instrument fostered by classical guitar training, particularly in solo performance settings, as well as the exposure to diverse and rich harmonic landscapes within classical compositions.
Niklas Winter showcasing his expertise on jazzy guitar, highlighting his profound connection with the instrument and his dedication to the craft.
Berklee, with its vibrant and immersive musical environment, provided a different yet equally enriching experience. “At Berklee, the atmosphere was incredibly stimulating,” Winter recalls. He enthusiastically participated in the numerous workshops and made it a point to attend performances by visiting musicians across various genres, not just guitarists. He found mentors and a supportive community that fueled his dedication to practice and learning. Beyond the formal education, Winter underscores the significance of networking at Berklee, which has been crucial for his career development and expansion.
Influential Jazz Guitar Albums Shaping Winter’s Sound
Delving into the realm of influential jazz guitar albums, Winter points to the profound impact of Pat Metheny’s work. He cites three albums in particular: “Still Life (Talking),” “Letter From Home,” and “Question and Answer.” He describes the first two as “mind-blowing music and playing,” emphasizing the equal importance of both composition and guitar performance in Metheny’s artistry. This balance is something Winter continuously aims for in his own recordings and live performances. Regarding “Question and Answer,” Winter notes its initial complexity, which gradually unfolded into a deeper appreciation over time, revealing layers of musical depth.
Scofield and Metheny: Pillars of Jazzy Guitar Influence
Expanding on the influence of John Scofield and Pat Metheny, Winter articulates his admiration for their distinct approaches to jazzy guitar. “They are two fantastic and very different musicians,” he states. He playfully suggests adding Scofield’s “Meant to Be” and Metheny’s “Time on My Hands” to his list of favorites, highlighting the breadth of their impactful discographies. Winter is drawn to Metheny’s melodic gift and compositional brilliance, while he appreciates Scofield’s blues-infused and raw musicality. He also notes their contrasting rhythmic feels, further distinguishing their unique styles within the jazzy guitar landscape.
“Graduale”: A Concept Album and Jazzy Guitar Vision
Discussing his recent album, “Graduale,” released in September 2023, Winter reveals its conceptual nature and ambitious scope. The album features a rich ensemble of guitar, cello, vibraphone, trumpet, and choir. “My goal on that album was to create a concept album, and I’m very pleased with the outcome,” Winter shares. His ambition extends beyond the studio, as he aims to perform this material globally. Fresh off a performance at the prestigious EFG London Jazz Festival, where he played the entire album live, Winter expresses his satisfaction with the project. “Graduale” encompasses a diverse range of sonic textures, from solo guitar pieces to choral arrangements, showcasing Winter’s compositional skills and performance versatility within the realm of jazzy guitar and beyond. He expresses particular satisfaction with the quality of his compositions, which enhances the depth and engagement of his performances.
Collaboration and Chemistry with John Stowell
Winter’s collaborations extend to notable figures like guitarist John Stowell, with whom he has both performed and recorded. He describes their musical synergy as remarkably natural and relaxed. “I believe our playing styles complement each other beautifully,” Winter observes. He emphasizes the crucial element of mutual listening in their performances, contributing to a relaxed and intuitive musical dialogue. Winter particularly admires Stowell’s harmonic concepts and chordal work, finding them deeply inspiring.
The Enduring Ibanez GB-10 and Polytone Amp
Turning to his instrument of choice, Winter speaks fondly of his Ibanez GB-10. “It’s an old GB-10, my trusty workhorse guitar that I love!” he exclaims. For Winter, who frequently travels for performances, reliability and personal connection are paramount. He has relied on this particular guitar since the late 1990s. Despite experimenting with other instruments, he consistently returns to his Ibanez for both performance and recording, highlighting its enduring appeal and suitability for his jazzy guitar sound. For amplification, Winter currently uses a Polytone Mini Brute 2 amp, a popular choice among jazz guitarists for its warm and clean tone.
Advice for Aspiring Jazzy Guitarists
Drawing from his extensive experience, Winter offers valuable advice to aspiring musicians navigating the competitive landscape of music. “Work diligently and perform as much as possible, across diverse musical styles,” he advises. He also stresses the importance of developing teaching skills as a means of reinforcing one’s own musical understanding. Crucially, Winter encourages musicians to dedicate time to cultivate their unique voice. “Simultaneously, carve out sufficient time to develop your personal compositional and playing style,” he urges. He acknowledges that this process requires patience and self-discovery, emphasizing the individual journey inherent in artistic development within the jazzy guitar world and beyond.
