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Jon Gordon

A native New Yorker, saxophonist and composer Jon Gordon was born into a musical family and began playing at age ten. In addition to private saxophone studies he attended Performing Arts High School and won numerous competitions, among them the Julius Grossman, the Goldman Band and the Performing Arts Concerto competition. This led to performances as a soloist with the Grossman orchestra, Goldman Band and the Performing Arts Orchestra. In his mid-teens Jon’s love for Jazz began to bloom?"he began sitting in regularly with Eddie Chamblee at Sweet Basil and started lessons with Phil Woods. From 1984-88 he attended Manhattan School of Music. During this time Jon began working professionally including gigs with Red Rodney, Roy Eldridge, Barney Kessel, Al Grey, Eddie Locke, Mike LeDonne, Mel Lewis, Doc Cheatham and many others.

Since that time, he has worked with Maria Schneider, Ron McClure, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, Phil Woods, T.S. Monk, Tana Reid, Bill Mays, The Vanguard orchestra, Bill Charlap, Ray Barreto, Mark Turner, George Colligan, and the N.Y. Pops Orchestra, among many others. Jon also appears regularly as a member of the Jazz Nativity, whose other featured artists have included Tito Puente, Ron Carter, Dave Brubeck, Savion Glover, Slide Hampton, and Harold Nicholas. Jon has led his own groups at various European , Canadian and U.S. jazz festivals and clubs including, Ronnie Scott's and The Pizza Express (London), The Sunside, The Sunset, and La Villa (Paris), The Brecon Jazz Festival (Wales), The Oslo Jazz Festival, The Ottowa Jazz Festival, The Royal Caribbean Floating Jazz Festival, Savannah on Stage, The Savannah Jazz Festival, and The Wolftrap festival. He has performed as a sideman at dozens of other festivals, clubs and concert halls around the world. Recent appearances include stints at the Blue Note, Birdland, Iridum, Smalls, the Jazz Standard, Jazz in July at the 92nd Street Y, the JVC Jazz Festival, the Village Vanguard, Fat Cat, And The Charlie Parker Festival. In November of 1996, Jon won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Judges for this important event were Wayne Shorter, Jackie McLean, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Heath and Joshua Redman.

Jon Gordon: 7th Ave South

Read "7th Ave South" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
November 29, 2024

Some of life's moments, even when buried in the past, remain almost as fresh and memorable as today's. Such is alto saxophonist Jon Gordon's memory of his first visit to New York City's then-jazz center, Greenwich Village's 7th Avenue South, which was “the first place [he] ever heard live jazz in New York." That was in 1983--nearly four decades ago--but that memory and those that followed were enough to inspire Gordon's latest album, appropriately titled 7th Ave South.

Radio & Podcasts

Jon Gordon: Passing It On

by David Bixler
June 12, 2024

Saxophonist Jon Gordon's new recording, 7th Ave South takes its name from the iconic club owned by the Brecker Brothers that closed its doors in 1987. The title of the album is emblematic of a time that shaped Jon as a musician as a high school student in NYC in the '80s. In this episode of LINER NOTES he pays homage to the people, the musicians, and the clubs that shaped his life and the importance that he places on ...

Album Review

Jon Gordon: 7th Ave South

Read "7th Ave South" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
June 7, 2024

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 ...

Album Review

Alan Ferber: Up High, Down Low

Read "Up High, Down Low" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
June 3, 2024

Nel nono disco da bandleader, il trombonista Alan Ferber ritorna col suo abituale nonet, con cui ha già inciso quattro album. L'organico ha subìto qualche cambiamento con le presenze del chitarrista Nir Felder, di Chris Cheek al sax baritono e qualche altro (ma restano i fidi sassofonisti Jon Gordon, Charles Pillow e John Ellis, il trombettista Scott Wendholt) confermando l'estetica di fondo: un modern mainstream caratterizzato da groove ritmico, chiarezza melodica e arrangiamenti leggibili che s'ispirano anche al soul ...

Album Review

Eunmi Lee: Introspection

Read "Introspection" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
August 17, 2023

Eunmi Lee is a quick learner. The South Korean-born pianist, who now makes her home in New York City, did not become acquainted with or interested in jazz until a friend introduced her to the GRP Records catalogue. That was more than a year after she had received a degree in contemporary piano from the Seoul Institute for the Arts, in 2005. Eager to learn more, Lee came to California in 2007 to take part in an open house at ...

Album Review

Eunmi Lee: Introspection

Read "Introspection" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
June 19, 2023

Korean-born, New York-based pianist and composer Eunmi Lee opens her debut record, Introspection with her original composition, “Gimmick." And, if there is a gimmick, it sounds as if it might be her strong compositional voice and her way with an arrangement. The tune features Alan Ferber on trombone, saxophonist John Ellis, a guitar, bass and drums rhythm section, and Lee in the piano chair. In spite of the album's title, this opener is a bright, sassy roller. Maybe the gimmick ...

Album Review

Jon Gordon: Stranger Than Fiction

Read "Stranger Than Fiction" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
November 19, 2021

Più noto come eccellente sax contralto e leader di un apprezzato quartetto, Jon Gordon torna a incidere un disco orchestrale per la ArtistShare, dopo l'album Evolution del lontano 2009. Registrato nel mezzo della pandemia, con tutte le difficoltà e restrizioni che sappiamo, il nuovo lavoro rinnova la collaborazione col trombonista e arrangiatore Alan Ferber che partecipa al progetto nel triplice ruolo di co-produttore, arrangiatore di un brano ("Havens") e solista di trombone. Il medio organico include anche il clarinetto basso ...

Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Jon Gordon New Release - Answer - CD Release May 3rd-4th At Kitano

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
April 26, 2019

"Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language."-Wayne Shorter Moving between Winnipeg and New York City, Jon Gordon is a much-in-demand man! His new CD Answer (recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studios- ArtistShare label) will be released on May 3rd. The Jon Gordon Quartet makes a special New York City appearance on May 3rd and May 4th at Jazz at Kitano! Jazz at Kitano 66 Park ...
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Radio

The Jazz Session #261: Jon Gordon

Source: AAJ Staff
May 1, 2011

Recording

Jon Gordon's "Evolution"

Source: Clay Wilson
November 5, 2010

Dubbed as one of the greatest alto players ever by Phil Woods, Jon Gordon has built a strong reputation as an improviser who is fluent in all aspects of the jazz tradition. Jon's latest ArtistShare release “Evolution" moves from third stream to straight ahead, contemporary to contemplative without loosing the immediately recognizable voice that Jon has built as an improviser and composer. To preview Jon Gordon's “Evolution," simply redeem your certificate log in number (64- 580662275-83295) by clicking here. To ...
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Recording

Jon Gordon Spans Broad Territories On "Evolution"

Source: Clay Wilson
September 30, 2010

Jon Gordon exhibits a masterful range of the Jazz Tradition through both his compositions and improvisations on “Evolution," his latest fan-funded release from ArtistShare. From the beautiful duets with pianist Bill Charlap (Shane and One For Liam) to the haunting string writing (Prelude and Contemplation) to the off kilter modern grooves (Evolution), Gordon acknowledges past masters while simultaneously looking forward. To preview 4 tracks from “Evolution" simply redeem your certificate log in number (64-580662275-83295) by clicking here. To purchase your ...
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Recording

Jon Gordon's "Evolution"

Source: Clay Wilson
September 29, 2010

Wayne Shorter once said “Jon Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language." This statement rings especially true when listening to Jon's latest ArtistShare release “Evolution." The album's opening themes conjure up contemporary classical and then in the blink of an eye transition seamlessly into intelligent and melodic modern jazz backed by Bill Charlap, Nate Radley, Sean Wayland, Mark Ferber, Rogerio Boccato, and Matt Clohesy. To preview tunes ...
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Performance / Tour

Jon Gordon Nonet at Smalls on October 9th

Source: All About Jazz
October 9, 2008

Jon Gordon Nonet with John Ellis, Dave Smith, Doug Yates, Bryn Roberts, Nate Radley, and Matt Clohesy

Two sessions: 9pm & 10:30pm

Smalls 183 West 10th street @ 7th Ave. New York, NY Jon Gordon is currently working on his new project which will be released in 2009. Wayne Shorter states “Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language." Come join us to witness ...
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Performance / Tour

New Gig Dates for Jon Gordon

Source: All About Jazz
June 13, 2008

6/15/08 9:00pm (2 sets) The Alan Ferber Nonet The Brooklyn Lyceum Brooklyn, NY 6/16/08 7:00pm and 8:30pm The Bill Mobley Big Band Cachaca New York, NY 6/18/08 The Alan Ferber Nonet Smalls New York, NY 6/20/08 The Alan Ferber Nonet The Brooklyn Tea Lounge Brooklyn, NY A native New Yorker, saxophonist and ...
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Recording

New Jon Gordon's Project Through Artistshare, 2008-09 Project Launched!

Source: All About Jazz
June 11, 2008

Participate in Jon Gordon's 2008-09 project through ArtistShare and witness the creative process behind the creation of his new album! Participating in this project allows you to have access to exclusive materials such as streaming videos, audio shows, photos, downloads, and an inside look into how Jon composes and prepares for a recording. More detailed information will be provided soon. Please visit Jon's website or ArtistShare.com for updates on the project. If you are ready to participate in this project, ...
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Recording

Jon Gordon's Latest Album "Within Worlds" Available Through ArtistShare

Source: All About Jazz
April 25, 2008

Performance / Tour

Jon Gordon in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: All About Jazz
April 21, 2008

"Jon is one of the greatest alto players ever"-Phil Woods

"Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language"-Wayne Shorter

..."a masterful young altoist with a brilliant future ahead of him".-Joe Lovano

"Not only a great soloist, but also possesses a gorgeous tone"-Kenny Washington

"One of the finest musicians of his generation and deserves a great deal more recognition than he has recieved from the jazz media".-Ken Dryden review of "Contrasts

Down Beat Critics Poll-Jon Gordon picked as one of the altoists deserving of wider recognition.

Primary Instrument

Saxophone, alto

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

New School, Manhattan School of Music, Purchase college, C.C.N.Y., et al. I am available for lessons but recommend the teaching packages available on my website which include books I've written for students, lectures, interviews, recordings, and other teaching info.