7th Avenue South
Jon Gordon
ArtistShare ASO229 (artistshare.com/projects/experience/?artistID=64&projectId=533)
There are precious few first call jazz artists who have not only paid their professional dues, but who have also developed their own unique sound, compositional skill and a style that is informed by (but not derivative of) the giants of jazz that have influenced them. Jon Gordon is one of those amazing individuals and is one of the leading lights of the alto and soprano sax. Gordon’s latest offering is a love letter to the vibrant Greenwich Village jazz scene of the early 80’s, a time where you could saunter down the street to the Village Vanguard, Sweet Basil, Bradley’s, the Knickerbocker and, of course, the Brecker Brothers’ 7th Avenue South.
This fertile area was ground zero for the jazz world. Young Gordon was a witness to this seminal scene, and it shaped and molded the skilled saxophonist that he was then and is now. Additionally, the personnel on this recording has been well selected, and every track is exquisite. Aside from two tunes, all compositions here were written and arranged by Gordon – who now influences young jazz musicians as a professor at The University of Manitoba.
The opener, Witness, draws the listener in with a contrapuntal vocal section, which turns into an almost melancholy motif, rife with emotion. Will Bonness on piano and the thrilling work of percussionist Fabio Ragnelli and bassist Julian Bradford complete the haunting intro, which segues into the title tune, a complex, swinging arrangement involving the entire complement. Also outstanding are Ed’s Groove and the thought-provoking Visit. Gordon’s alto solo here is luscious and complex, as is the work of exquisite trumpeter John Challoner. The boppish Spark is also a treat, as is the brilliantly written and executed reprise of the title tune. A triumph!
