New York jazz saxophonist and composer Jon Gordon, whose long list of accomplishments includes having the New York Times choose his CD Along the Way as the second best jazz release of 1997, will deliver two free shows at Moody’s Bistro & Lounge on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.

A recording artist with an impressive series of CDs for several different labels, Gordon appears at Moody’s on the heels of releasing his newest CD, Within Worlds. Upon listening to Within Worlds, a writer for Jazz Improv described Gordon’s technique by stating, "One can only marvel in listening to his beautiful tone and lyricism."

Gordon has captured the attention of both the media and fellow musicians. Phil Woods called him "one of the great alto players ever." The media agrees that Gordon’s technique is one to be admired. When reviewing Gordon’s CD, The Things You Are, the All Music Guide wrote, "The saxophonist is consistently at the top of his game throughout these sessions." The New York Times, meanwhile, described Gordon’s performance as showing "a moving, more personal warmth." And The Ottawa Sun once wrote that Gordon "...gave one of those exceptional performances that makes you want to bolt out to a record store for another taste."

In November 1996, Gordon won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. Gordon was judged by some of jazz music’s most respected performers including Wayne Shorter, Jackie McLean, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Heath and Joshua Redman.

A native New Yorker, saxophonist and composer, Gordon began playing at age ten. In addition to private saxophone studies he attended Performing Arts High School and won numerous competitions, including the Julius Grossman, the Goldman Band and the Performing Arts Concerto competition. This led to performances as a soloist with the Grossman orchestra, Goldman Band and the Performing Arts Orchestra.

In his mid-teens he sat in regularly with Eddie Chamblee at Sweet Basil and started lessons with Phil Woods. From 1984-88, he attended Manhattan School of Music and worked professionally with Red Rodney, Roy Eldridge, Barney Kessel, Al Grey, Eddie Locke, Mike LeDonne, Mel Lewis, Doc Cheatham and many others. Since that time, he has worked with Maria Schneider, Ron McClure, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, Phil Woods, T.S. Monk, TanaReid and Bill Mays, The Vanguard orchestra, Bill Charlap, Ray Barreto, Mark Turner, George Colligan, and the N.Y. Pops Orchestra. Gordon also appears regularly as a member of the Jazz Nativity, whose other featured musicians have included Tito Puente, Ron Carter, Dave Brubeck, Savion Glover, Slide Hampton, and Harold Nicholas.

Gordon has led his own groups at various European, Canadian and U.S. jazz festivals and clubs including Ronnie Scott's and The Pizza Express (London), The Sunside, The Sunset, and La Villa (Paris), The Brecon Jazz Festival (Wales), The Oslo Jazz Festival, The Ottowa Jazz Festival, The Royal Caribbean Floating Jazz Festival, Savannah on Stage, the Blue Note, the Jazz Standard, Jazz in July at the 92nd Street Y, the Village Vanguard, Fat Cat, and The Charlie Parker Festival. Over the years, he has released a number of CDs. Phil Woods inspired and produced one of his most treasured CDs, Contrasts, his fourth recording for Double-Time Records. Also featuring Bill Charlpa on piano, Contrasts includes the song, For Sue, dedicated to Gordon’s mother.

At Moody’s, audiences will get a feel for why Gordon has become one of the East Coast’s most acclaimed jazz artists.

Located inside the historic Truckee Hotel on Commercial Row, Moody's Bistro & Lounge is known for its locally sourced ingredients served in an informal atmosphere reminiscent of Tahoe in the 1920s. The restaurant serves a variety of Contemporary American specialties in a range of affordable price points, as well as a seasonal drink menu made with fresh herbs and fruit. The lounge also is home to live jazz shows by top U.S. and international acts. Moody's is located a few minutes from Interstate 80 at 10007 Bridge Street in Truckee (on the corner of Commercial Row). For reservations, call (530) 587-8688 or visit www.moodysbistro.com.