For those unaware, the new upcoming album from Jon Gordon entitled 7th Ave South is to be released May 3rd, 2024 and is inspired by his experiences as a teenager in 1980s New York City.

For it was there when he first experienced the vibrant culture of the jazz scene, musicians, and clubs on and around Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village. It also celebrates the rich musical and creative community of his current home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In the early 1980s, there was no better place for a jazz fan or aspiring musician to hang than Seventh Avenue South in New York City’s Greenwich Village.

The street was lined with jazz clubs, including the Brecker Brothers-owned venue that borrowed its name, Sweet Basil, and the famed Village Vanguard (which still stands there today), while the Village Gate, Lush Life and the 55 Bar were all within easy walking distance.

Saxophonist Jon Gordon arrived on that scene in December 1983 and the experience changed his life.

1. Witness
2. 7th Ave South
3. Ponder This
4. Paradox
5. Here, There and Everywhere
6. Ed’s Groove
7. Visit
8. Intro
9. Spark
10. 7th Ave South (reprise)

The album opens on a veritably woven tapestry of sounds that meld with a ten-voice choir to showcase Witness and the impassioned title track 7th Ave South and then we get the harmonically earthy Ponder This, the richly sculpted Paradox, and then we are brought forth a diligent cut from the McCartney/Lennon songbook Here, There and Everywhere.

On what is a most wonderful album of musical treats, along next is the bustling Ed’s Groove and the all-embracing Visit and they are in turn backed by the an Intro before the album rounds out on the fervent swinger Spark, closing on a delightfully ambient reprise of 7th Ave South (which features a solo opening from Gordon on soprano saxophone and a choir on the out chorus).

Featuring:
- Jon Gordon, Alto and Soprano Saxophone
- Jonathan Challoner, Trumpet
- Walter Smith III, Tenor Saxophone
- Alan Ferber, Trombone
- John Ellis, Bass Clarinet
- Jocelyn Gould, Guitar
- Will Bonness, Piano
- Julian Bradford, Bass
- Fabio Ragnelli, Drums
- Choir - Joyce German, Joey Landreth, Erin Propp, Kelsey Rosentreter, Dan Keding, Mariana Padeanu, Jocelyn Gould, Ashleigh Sadler, Elizabeth Sadler, Zachary Rushing

www.jongordonmusic.com