Jon Gordon: 7th Ave South

Jon Gordon, an alto and soprano saxophonist, steps into the limelight with his latest release 7th Ave South, a melodic memoir of a transformative place for jazz history in the early 1980s. This journey is a testament to the fascination of discovery and the allure of artistic camaraderie four decades later. In this ten-track outing of primarily original compositions (with two exceptions), Gordon, a music professor at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, is accompanied by fellow faculty members or former students.

The opener, "Witness," which has a ten-voice choir in addition to the piano trio, offers a wordless ode, weaving a tapestry of sounds in a mystical frame. The title track, "7th Ave South," is next, a brooding affair led by Gordon's musings on soprano sax. Following a brief interjection from pianist Will Bonness, the ensemble takes over, eliciting probing harmonics of connectedness with shadowy depth. Quincy Davis is the composer for "Ponder This," which has an introduction filled with earthy textures. Gordon, Bonness and guitarist Jocelyn Gould each follow with solos that have strong lyrical footings. Vocalist Joanna Majoko brings her rich voice to this intriguing orchestration.

"Here, There and Everywhere" is from the McCartney/Lennon songbook, with Erin Propp's captivating voice providing the vocal before Gordon's incisive soprano takes over. Gould, an inquisitive improviser, adds interest before Propp reprises the lyric. "Ed's Groove" is a bustling and approachable vision of jazz inspired by the renowned Venezuelan pianist Edward Simon, a former collaborator of Gordon's. Drummer Fabio Ragnelli provides the rhythmic propulsion in support of Gordon and Bonness.

Throughout the album, Gordon's virtuosity shines brightly, with a command of both the soprano and alto saxophones that is effortless and perceptive. This continues to be the case with the sprightly swinger "Spark," which has a rough-and-ready feel. The closer is a brief reprise of "7th Ave South" with a solo opening from Gordon on soprano saxophone and the full-throated choir on the out chorus.

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