Amanda Gardier

Combining a smooth tone with complex harmonies and vibrant improvisation, saxophonist Amanda Gardier balances jazz tradition with a versatile style and a keen interest in pop culture. She studied at Indiana University Bloomington, graduating with a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in jazz studies. While adept in various settings, from small combos to big bands, Gardier is best known for her collaboration with her husband, guitarist Charlie Ballantine, and has appeared on many of his albums, including the Pixies-inspired Where Is My Mind? (2017) and the cover album Life Is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan (2018). Gardier's first album as a leader, Empathy, appeared in 2018, followed by Flyover Country two years later. In early 2024, she released her third album Auteur, a quartet date inspired by the films of Wes Anderson. Originally from St. Charles, Illinois, Amanda Gardier attended her high school's jazz workshop and played in their jazz combo before enrolling at Indiana University, Bloomington in 2010, pursuing degrees in music education and jazz studies. During this time, she played in various settings, including the Disneyland All-American College Band for three months, joined the Stardusters Jazz Orchestra, and also worked as a student teacher. Gardier also performed in a local cover band which featured guitarist Charlie Ballantine, another IU student, and the two started dating and eventually married. They also became close musical collaborators, and Gardier played on numerous sessions by Ballantine's group, appearing on five of his albums: Green (2015), Providence (2016), Where Is My Mind? (2017, featuring a cover of the Pixies song), Life Is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan (2018, a cover album exploring the legendary folk musician's compositions) and Vonnegut (2020, inspired by writer Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.). Gardier's first album as a leader, Empathy, was released in August 2018, featuring a quintet comprised of Gardier, Ballantine, pianist Clay Wulbrecht, bassist Jesse Wittman, and drummer Chris Parker, plus guest appearances by saxophonist Rob Dixon and singer Mina Keohane. In January 2020, she released her second album, Flyover Country, whose compositions were inspired by characters from the crime drama series Ozark. The record saw her performing with an entirely new quartet which featured pianist Ellie Pruneau, bassist Brendan Keller-Tuberg, and drummer Carrington Clinton. Gardier and Ballantine moved from Indianapolis to Baltimore, Maryland, in 2023 when Gardier had the opportunity to join the U.S. Navy Band Commodores in Washington, D.C. In early 2024, she released her third album, Auteur: Music Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson, a richly layered set of original compositions examining the quirky director's characters, recorded with Ballantine, bassist Jesse Wittman, and drummer Dave King.
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