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 May 29, 1967) is an American jazz musician. He is famous for playing the trombone. Wycliffe is also a composer, band leader, and a music teacher at the college level. Besides the trombone, he sings and plays other instruments. These include the didgeridoo, trumpet, tuba, and piano. His friends and fans often call him "Pinecone."
Contents
Early Life and Music
Growing Up with Music
Wycliffe Gordon was born in Waynesboro, Georgia. He grew up in a family that loved music and went to church often. This helped shape his love for music from a young age. His father, Lucius Gordon, was a church organist. He also taught piano and played classical music.
Discovering Jazz
When Wycliffe was 13, in 1980, he found a collection of jazz records. These records belonged to his great-aunt. He especially liked the music of Louis Armstrong. This is when he became very interested in jazz.
School Days and Bands
Wycliffe went to Sego Junior High School in Augusta, Georgia. His band teacher, Don Milford, was also a trombonist. Wycliffe finished high school at Butler High School in Augusta in 1984. He even played in a special band called the McDonald's High School All-American Band in New York City. After high school, he studied music at Florida A&M University. There, he played in the marching band.
Wycliffe's Music Career
Starting Out and New Sounds
Wycliffe Gordon began his professional music career playing with famous jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. Over time, he started trying new things in his music. He didn't just stick to swing anymore. For example, in his album The Search, he played the didgeridoo. He even played songs by the jazz legend Thelonious Monk on it. He has also performed Gospel music.
Music for Radio and Movies
In 1995, Wycliffe helped create the theme song for a popular radio show. It was for NPR's All Things Considered. He arranged and orchestrated this well-known tune. Later, in 2004, Wycliffe led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. They performed his new music for a silent film from 1925 called "Body and Soul."
Worldwide Performances
Wycliffe has become more popular around the world. He has performed in South Australia's Generations In Jazz festival. He played there in both 2016 and 2017. He shared the stage with other great artists like James Morrison. For more than ten years, he has also worked with artist and teacher Ligel Lambert on many projects.
Blues Back Records
Starting His Own Label
In 2006, Wycliffe Gordon started his own independent jazz record company. He called it Blues Back Records. He wanted to have more control over his music. This happened when he released his album Rhythm on My Mind. He worked on this album with bassist Jay Leonhart.
How the Name Came About
Wycliffe and Jay Leonhart were talking. Wycliffe's song "I Want My Blues Back" was playing in the background. They both laughed and decided to name the company "Blues Back." The company also helped other artists release their music. Blues Back Records was active until 2011.
Wycliffe's Albums
As a Band Leader
Wycliffe Gordon has released many albums where he is the main artist. 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)
