Saxophonist, recording artist, and composer Amanda Gardier has been described as “a uniquely talented jazz composer and soloist” (Nuvo). With influences stemming from Miguel Zenon, The Bad Plus, Walter Smith III, and Bjork, Gardier is a saxophonist who juxtaposes the calmness of lush harmonies and cyclical melodies with the intensity of complex rhythms and fiery improvisation.

Her first release with Green Mind Records, Empathy, was “a debut with a lot of something for everyone” (All About Jazz). Comprised of an eclectic collection of original music, Empathy revealed Gardier’s refined compositional sense and lyrical tone.

With her second release, Flyover Country, Gardier “claim[ed] a space among rising saxophonists” (Downbeat) through the display of bold compositions and flexible improvisation. Amanda has performed with Ingrid Jensen, Dave Stryker, Leni Stern, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and many others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University. Amanda is the Instructor of Jazz Saxophone at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.