AMG review of "The Things You Are"
Review by Ken Dryden
Jon Gordon studied with Phil Woods and also won first place at the 1996 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, while also recording an impressive series of CDs for several different labels. But Gordon takes a new direction with The Things You Are, omitting a pianist, choosing to play with an outstanding rhythm section consisting of guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Joe Martin and either Billy Drummond or Bill Campbell on drums. The spacey treatment of the standard "I Should Care" increases the melancholy air of the song, while the hard-charging approach to "Alone Together" is a wild roller coaster ride. He switches to soprano sax for his originals "Arco" and "On This Day" both of which are haunting abstract works. The saxophonist is consistently at the top of his game throughout these sessions. Jon Gordon's The Things You Are is a limited edition CD available solely through www.artistshare.com, don't miss out on this masterpiece!
"Jon is one of the greatest alto players ever"
- Phil Woods"Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language"
- Wayne Shorter"Not only a great soloist, but also possesses a gorgeous tone."
- Kenny Washington..."a masterful young altoist with a brilliant future ahead of him".
- Joe Lovano"One of the finest musicians of his generation and deserves a great deal more recognition than he has received from the jazz media."
- Ken Dryden4 + 1/2 Stars-"Gordon has created a multifaceted statement that invites repeated investigations. He's onto something important."
- Down Beat
