Alto saxophonist Jon Gordon began classical studies at age 10 in his native New York. By his mid-teens he was sitting in regularly with Eddie Chamblee at Sweet Basil and studying with Phil Woods. From 1984-88 he attended Manhattan School of Music and gigged 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, Bill Mays, The Vanguard Orchestra, Bill Charlap, and Ray Barreto. Jon 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. He has six cds as a leader, with sidemen including John Scofield, Kevin Hays, Mark Turner and Peter Washington. His latest is a duo with pianist Bill Charlap, titled "Contrasts". In November of 1996, Jon won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. "One of the greatest alto players, ever!" - Phil Woods "Gordon has embraced the history of his instrument, carrying with it the ability to extend music as a universal language." - Wayne Shorter http://jongordonmusic.com/
He has maintained a very busy playing schedule in Europe and on both the west and east coast. A partial list of his playing credits include Lee Konitz, David Liebman, Don Byron, Norah Jones, Kenny Werner, Steve Swallow, Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, Bud Shank, Anthony Wilson, Larry Goldings and Diana Krall.
Mark can be heard on recent recordings with various artists on Soul Note, Fresh Sound/New Talent, Sunnyside, Omnitone and Steeplechase Records. He is a part time faculty member for the City College of New York and the School of Improvisational Music. Currently, Mark resides in Brooklyn, New York.
He has appeared previously at Chez Hanny with the Jonathan Kreisberg Trio and the Dan Pratt Organ Quartet.