Wycliffe Gordon

Biography

Wycliffe Gordon

A gifted trombonist, conductor, composer and arranger, world-renowned musician Wycliffe Gordon grew up in Waynesboro, Georgia in the United States. He was musically influenced at a young age by his father, Lucius Gordon, a classical pianist and teacher. His musical prowess has been captured on numerous recordings, including thirteen solo albums with the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet and seven co-leader albums. With a popular following and a loyal following, Wycliffe has won scores of awards, including the Trombonist of the Year Award from the Jazz Journalists Association, which he has won five times. He 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. Wycliffe's extensive performance experience includes work with many of the most renowned jazz performers of the past and present. Gordon is rapidly becoming 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. 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. Wycliffe is widely respected for his powerful sound, distinctive techniques and funky performance style, all factors which make him one of the world's most popular trombonists.

Håkan Björkman

Principal trombone Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, principal trombone the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Assistant professor the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.