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” in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011, and 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.

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. 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. 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.