Bob Gordon Quintet - Meet Mr. Gordon

Bob Gordon was a fine West Coast bop-oriented baritonist. He played with Shorty Sherock (1946), Alvino Rey’s Orchestra (1948-51) and Billy May (1952) before becoming an in-demand session player for jazz dates with the likes of Shelly Manne, Maynard Ferguson, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown (1954), Shorty Rogers, Tal Farlow and Stan Kenton. While on his way to playing at a Pete Rugolo concert in San Diego, Bob Gordon was killed in a car accident at only 27 years old.

Meet Mr. Gordon, subtitled "Bob Gordon Plays The Compositions And Arrangements Of Jack Montrose", the only album released under his name as a leader, is a brilliant testimony to the baritone sax player who helped define the cool and bouncy West Coast sound.

Composition in jazz music, even in as small a group as is displayed here, plays a very important part in creating the over-all impression the soloist works toward. Bob Gordon chose Jack Montrose to compose the music for this, His firt Pacific Jazz. This choise was a natural one for Bob and Jack have played together frequently in the past and were the guiding force in the experimental rehearsal orchestra which later developed into the Chet Baker Ensemble. This close relashionship combined with Jack's development as a tenor soloist of importance made it apparent that an album combining both talents would be fruitful.*(Liner notes)*

Those who follow the works and ways of the younger West Coast musicians are in for a musica experience of the first order in this collection of Jack Montrose compositions and arrangements, as played by the Bob Gordon Quintet. The playful, neatly turned counterpoint of Gordon's bold, clean style is heard on originals such as "Meet Mr. Gordon" and "For Sue". As well as other jazz albums have been going recently, this, too, should strike pay dirt with many modern collectors.

*Billboard, August 7, 1954*

Side 1

01 - Meet Mr. Gordon

(Montrose)

02 - Two Can Play (Modus Operandi)

(Montrose)

03 - What A Difference A Day Makes

(Grever, Adams)

04 - Onion Bottom

(Montrose)

Side 2

05 - Tea For Two

(Youmans, Caesar)

06 - Two Can Play

(Montrose)

07 - For Sue

(Montrose)

08 - Love Is Here To Stay

(G. and I. Gershwin)

Bob Gordon (baritone sax), Jack Montrose (tenor sax), Paul Moer (piano), Joe Mondragon (bass), Billy Schneider (drums).

Recorded at Radio Recorders Studio, Hollywood, May 6 (#1, #2, #4, #5), and May 27 (#3, #6, #7, #8), 1954.