Jazz Articles about Wycliffe Gordon

Wycliffe Gordon and Jay Leonhart: Humor in Harmony

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
January 15, 2007

At first, über-bassist Jay Leonhart and acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordon seem an unlikely pair. Visually, they look like the Anglo poet and the star linebacker; chronologically, they're at least a generation apart. But they are both immensely talented, and their personal and musical rapport transcends any other differences between them. As relaxed and amiable as the oldest of friends, they trade their superb musicianship as naturally as conversation. They also share a sense of humor that sparkles like dry champagne. ...

Wycliffe Gordon and Jay Leonhart: This Rhythm On My Mind

by Mark F. Turner
January 14, 2007

In times of social, political, and global challenges, music has always helped to ease the burdens of the people. Jazz artists such as trumpeter Louis Armstrong did more than just play instruments; they were also entertainers that spirited listeners into better times. This Rhythm On My Mind remembers those sentiments. The recording features two prominent musicians--trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and bassist Jay Leonhart--who not only play their respective instruments with complete expertise, but also prove to be jazz ...

Wycliffe Gordon: Cone's Coup

by George Kanzler
November 23, 2006

Back in June, Wycliffe Gordon was awarded the Jazz Journalist Association's Trombonist of the Year honors. Cone's Coup is a good showcase of the artistry that helped him win that award. Gordon's approach to the trombone is like Sonny Rollins' on the tenor sax: a complete mastery of techniques through the entire range, with attention paid to producing a variety of tones and timbres, always with a robust sound.

Gordon's last Criss Cross CD, In the Cross, featured a gospel ...

Wycliffe Gordon: Cone's Coup

by Alain Londes
October 25, 2006

Few musicians focus on the trombone at an early age and maintain a certain sense of individuality as they mature professionally. Wycliffe “Cone Gordon is one of those serious trombonists, having had his interest piqued at the age of twelve, following his brother. Examples of other contemporaries would include Slide Hampton, Robin Eubanks and Steve Turre.

Wycliffe Gordon couches all the tunes between a fun, catchy and swinging minor blues vocal piece called simply “Shhh!!! (later “Hush Yo' Mouf!!") as ...

Wycliffe Gordon: Cone's Coup

by C. Andrew Hovan
August 23, 2006

Of all the musicians who have come through Wynton Marsalis' various ensembles, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is one of the few who has made the most of his experience while developing an individualistic voice. Although you can hear the history of the music from Dixie to avant garde in his approach, he's been able to successfully channel that into a variety of different modes. The proof has been in the pudding, namely a wonderful selection of Criss Cross dates, each has ...

Wycliffe Gordon: Cone's Coup

by C. Michael Bailey
July 24, 2006

Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon warrants that the last be stated first: he is the most soulful and technically proficient trombone player composing, performing, and educating today. Period.

As Gordon closes in on twenty years as a performing jazz musician, he never ceases to challenge the listener with something new. Cone's Coup is a perfect case in point. Gordon amiably throws down the gauntlet, daring the listener to find something not accessible and fresh. Gordon's original composition “Shhh!!! (the Band ...

Wycliffe Gordon and the Garden City Gospel Choir: In the Cross

by C. Andrew Hovan
May 27, 2005

Although the trombone hasn't always been the most popular of jazz instruments, a varied and variegated stable of talented jazz trombonists can be found among the lineage of historical jazz artists. From the Dixie strains of Jack Teagarden to the forward-thinking innovations of Roswell Rudd, the trombone has been adaptable to a wide variety of stylistic presentations. Of the current generation of players, you can count on less than one hand the number of trombonists who can approach a wide ...