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 an alto 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, is “a debut with a lot of something for everyone” (All About Jazz). Comprised of an eclectic collection of original music, and brought to life by a distinctive Indianapolis-based quintet, Empathy reveals Gardier’s refined compositional sense and lyrical tone. “It's easy to settle into the lustrous tones and elegant structures in her compositions” (Downbeat). In her sophomore release, "Flyover Country," she "claims a space among rising saxophonists" (Downbeat).
