Introduction
Bob Gordon (11 June 1928–28 August 1955) was an American cool jazz baritone saxophonist born in St. Louis, Missouri, best known as a sideman for musicians like Stan Kenton, Shelly Manne, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Herbie Harper and Jack Montrose. He released one album as a bandleader. Gordon died in a car accident on his way to playing at a Pete Rugolo concert in San Diego.
His friend saxophonist Jack Montrose wrote, "The union of Bob Gordon and the baritone saxophone must have been decreed in Heaven, for never have I viewed such rapport between the natural tendencies of a musical instrument and the mind of the man using it. I cannot imagine Bob Gordon using any other instrument".
Discography
As leader/co-leader
- 1953: Moods in Jazz, with Herbie Harper (Tampa)
- 1954: Herbie Harper featuring Bud Shank and Bob Gordon (Liberty)
- 1954: Meet Mr. Gordon (Pacific Jazz)
- 1955: Jack Montrose with Bob Gordon (Atlantic)
- 1955: Introducing Bob Gordon (EmArcy)
- 2004: Bob Gordon Memorial (Fresh Sound)
As sideman
With Chet Baker
- Grey December (Pacific Jazz, 1953)
- The Trumpet Artistry of Chet Baker (Pacific Jazz, 1953)
With Pete Rugolo
- Introducing Pete Rugolo (Columbia, 1954)
- Adventures in Rhythm (Columbia, 1954)
- Rugolomania (Columbia, 1955)
- New Sounds by Pete Rugolo (Harmony, 1954–55, [1957])
With Jack Montrose
- Arranged by Montrose (Pacific Jazz, 1954)
- Arranged/Played/Composed by Jack Montrose (Atlantic, 1955)
- Jack Montrose Sextet (Pacific Jazz, 1955)
With Maynard Ferguson
- Dimensions (EmArcy, 1955)
- Maynard Ferguson Octet (EmArcy, 1955)
With Spud Murphy
- Four Saxophones in Twelve Tones (GNP Crescendo, 1955)
With Dave Pell
- Jazz & Romantic Places (Atlantic, 1955)
With Shorty Rogers
- Shorty Rogers Courts the Count (RCA Victor, 1954)