Wycliffe Gordon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wycliffe Gordon
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 29, 1967 Waynesboro, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trombone |
| Labels | WJ3, Chesky, Criss Cross |
| Associated acts | Randy Sandke, Maurice Hines, Wynton Marsalis, Ligel Lambert |
Wycliffe A. Gordon, born on May 29, 1967, is an American jazz musician. He is famous for playing the trombone. He also writes music, leads bands, and teaches music. Wycliffe is known for singing and playing many other instruments. These include the didgeridoo, trumpet, tuba, and piano. His friends call him "Pinecone".
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Wycliffe Gordon grew up in Waynesboro, Georgia. His family was very musical and religious. This helped him start his journey in music. His father, Lucius Gordon, played the organ in churches. He was also a classical piano player and teacher.
When Wycliffe was 13, in 1980, he became interested in jazz. He listened to jazz records he got from his great-aunt. This collection had music from famous jazz artists. He especially liked musicians like Louis Armstrong.
School and Early Performances
Wycliffe went to Sego Junior High School in Augusta, Georgia. His band director, Don Milford, was also a trombonist. Wycliffe finished high school at Butler High School in Augusta in 1984.
He got to perform in New York City with the McDonald's High School All-American Band. After high school, he studied music at Florida A&M University. There, he played in the marching band.
Wycliffe Gordon's Music Career
Wycliffe Gordon started his professional career playing with the famous musician Wynton Marsalis. Over time, he began to explore different styles of music. He also experimented with new instruments.
One example is his album The Search. On this album, he plays the didgeridoo. He also performs songs by the jazz legend Thelonious Monk. Wycliffe has also played Gospel music.
Special Projects and Collaborations
In 1995, Wycliffe arranged the theme song for NPR's All Things Considered. This is a well-known news show. His arrangement is the third version of the song.
In 2004, Wycliffe led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. They performed his new music for a silent film called "Body and Soul." This film was made in 1925.
Wycliffe has become more popular around the world. He has performed in Australia at Generations In Jazz. There, he played with other great artists like James Morrison. For over ten years, he has also worked with artist and teacher Ligel Lambert. They have created many projects together.
Blues Back Records
Wycliffe Gordon started his own record label called Blues Back Records in 2006. This happened when he released his album Rhythm on My Mind. He wanted to have more control over his music.
He decided on the name "Blues Back" with his friend, bassist Jay Leonhart. They thought it was a funny name. Blues Back Records also helped other artists release their music. The company stopped being active in 2011.
Wycliffe Gordon's Albums
Wycliffe Gordon has released many albums as a band leader. Here are some of them:
- Bone Structure (1996)
- Slidin' Home (1999)
- Blues of Summer (2000)
- The Search (2000)
- The Gospel Truth (2000)
- What You Dealin' With (2001)
- We (2002)
- United Soul Experience (2002)
- The Joyride (2003)
- Dig This!! (2003)
- In the Cross (2004)
- Cone's Coup (2006)
- Standards Only (2006)
- This Rhythm on My Mind (2006)
- A Tribute to Storyville (2007)
- We, Vol. 2 (2007)
- BloozBluzeBlues, Vol. One (2007)
- Boss Bones (2008)
- You and I (2008)
- I'm Glad There is You (2010)
- Cone and T-Staff (2010)
- Word (2012)
- Dreams of New Orleans (2012)
- The Intimate Ellington: Ballads & Blues (2013)
- Signature Series (2014)
- Somebody New (2015)
- Within These Gates of Mine (2016)
- Hello Pops!: Tribute to Louis Armstrong (2016)
- "The Co-Op" (2017)
