Bob Gordon (saxophonist)

Bob Gordon
Born(1928-06-11)June 11, 1928
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
DiedAugust 28, 1955(1955-08-28) (aged 27)
California
GenresJazz
OccupationMusician
InstrumentSaxophone
Years active1940s–1950s
Formerly ofJack Montrose, Herbie Harper

Bob Gordon (June 11, 1928 – August 28, 1955) was an American cool jazz baritone saxophonist born in St. Louis, Missouri, best known as a sideman for musicians like Stan Kenton, Shelly Manne, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Herbie Harper and Jack Montrose. He released one album as a bandleader. Gordon died in a car accident on his way to playing at a Pete Rugolo concert in San Diego.[1]

Career

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His friend saxophonist Jack Montrose wrote, "The union of Bob Gordon and the baritone saxophone must have been decreed in Heaven, for never have I viewed such rapport between the natural tendencies of a musical instrument and the mind of the man using it. I cannot imagine Bob Gordon using any other instrument".[2]

Discography

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As leader/co-leader

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  • 1953: Moods in Jazz, with Herbie Harper (Tampa)
  • 1954: Herbie Harper featuring Bud Shank and Bob Gordon (Liberty)
  • 1954: Meet Mr. Gordon (Pacific Jazz)
  • 1955: Jack Montrose with Bob Gordon (Atlantic)
  • 1955: Introducing Bob Gordon (EmArcy)
  • 2004: Bob Gordon Memorial (Fresh Sound)

As sideman

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With Chet Baker

With Pete Rugolo

With Jack Montrose

With Maynard Ferguson

With Spud Murphy

With Dave Pell

With Shorty Rogers

References

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  1. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Bob Gordon | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  2. ^ Montrose, Jack. "Bob Gordon | JazzBariSax.com". jazzbarisax.com. Retrieved 29 November 2016.