C Jam Blues – 2012

Wycliffe Gordon

A fun and spirited version of the medium-tempo blues

Wycliffe Gordon has been one of the most important graduates of Wynton Marsalis’ groups.

A brilliant and extroverted trombonist, Gordon has his roots in New Orleans jazz but is a versatile soloist who can fit into any different situations.

At a Central Park concert in 2012, Gordon is seen leading a quintet that also included tenor-saxophonist Adrian Cunningham, pianist Ehud Asherie , drummer Lawrence Leathers, and an unidentified bassist.

During a loose version of “C Jam Blues,” Cunningham takes a fine tenor solo, Gordon is quite rambunctious as he jams on soprano trombone, pianist Asherie takes a swinging solo filled with riffs, and Gordon scats in a sing-along with the enthusiastic audience before taking the tune out on trombone.

The results are quite fun.

-Scott Yanow