Interview with Cellist Stephanie Winters

March 25, 2008

Interview by Scott Preston

Classically trained cellist Stephanie Winters is a pioneer in bringing the strength and richness of her instrument to different musical forms and genres. More than 100 artists have sought Stephanie out to record and tour with them, including Corrine Bailey Rae, Paula Cole, The O'Jays, Dar Williams, and Anne Murray.

Since 2004 Winters has been a cornerstone of Richie Havens' live show, playing more than 100 performances a year in North America, Europe and Australia with the Woodstock legend. She played on Havens last release, "Grace of the Sun", and is featured on Havens' forthcoming CD "Nobody Left to Crown" which was just released in Europe and is slated for a 2008 release in the United States.

Winters' CD of multi-tracked cello music, "Through The Storm", featuring works by Miles Davis, Bela Bartok, Ornette Coleman, and original compositions has received widespread acclaim. It is available through this website and at Stephanie's live performances.

Winters began her cello studies in the fourth grade in the Levittown, Long Island public school music program. She went on to graduate from The Juilliard School, Purchase College, and Columbia University. In the 1990s Winters and songwriter/guitarist Walter Parks toured and recorded as The Nudes. Winters resides in New York City.

Cincy Groove: How did you end up playing with Richie Havens?

Stephanie Winters: Walter Parks (Richie's guitar player) and I had a duo called The Nudes in the 90's. We toured the folk circuit and opened for Richie a number of times. Richie said back then that he thought it would be great for us to play with him. Fast forward 10 years and Walter is lead guitarist. Walter and I had disbanded for quite a while at that point. They needed a cellist for Richie's Graces of the Sun cd. I played on the record and then they asked me to play the record release. They then asked me to do a couple more gigs and then it just kept expanding. Now the 3 piece is Richie's format.

Read the full interview here