Wycliffe Gordon

Musical ambassador and interpreter of America’s music, Wycliffe Gordon experiences an impressive career touring the world performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz receiving great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. His unmatched modern mastery of the plunger mute and his exceptional technique and signature sound, has solidified Gordon a place in musical history known as one of the top trombonists of his generation. Jazz Journalists Association named him “Trombonist of the Year” again in 2011 as well as previous years 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2008. He is a past recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award, among others.

In addition to an extremely successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon’s extensive performance experience includes work with many of the most renowned jazz performers of the past and present. His “Jazz a la Carte” show, which debuted at
the Apollo Theater last year, was named one of the “top five best moments in jazz” for the year 2011 by The Wall Street Journal. Gordon’s recordings are a model of consistency and inspiration, and his musical expertise has been captured on numerous recordings, including fourteen solo CDs
and seven co-leader CDs.

His most recent release, “Hello Pops, A Tribute to Louis Armstrong” has received rave reviews and pays homage to Wycliffeʼs musical hero. Wycliffe Gordon is also a gifted composer and arranger. He is commissioned frequently by renowned jazz groups and organizations and has an
extensive songbook of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz music. His music is performed throughout the world by musicians and ensembles of every caliber. Gordon is one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators, and currently serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music. Kendor Publishing recently released “Sing It First” Wycliffeʼs own unique approach to playing the instrument. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2006 from the University of Scranton, for his tireless dedication to the field. His work with young musicians and audiences from elementary schools to universities all over the world is extensive, and includes master classes, clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and lectures — powerful evidence of his unique ability to relate musically to people of all ages. Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass. When playing the trumpet, Wycliffe performs on the Wycliffe Gordon Signature Hybrid by Chasons Music.