Gordon, Wycliffe
Nagel-Heyer, 2023, CD
Instrument: Trombone
Issue: 29.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Swing
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 89
O’s Notes: Trombonist, composer Wycliffe Gordon pays homage to his hero, the legendary Louis Armstrong on Hello Pops! He opens with the title track singing a fine introduction to the 15-song set, a collection of early jazz classics and Gordon originals. Anat Cohen (cl, t-sax, perc), Aaron Diehl (p), Corcoran Holt (b) and Marion Felder (d) form the core band with Bria Skonberg (t, b-vocals), Emily Asher (tb, b-vocals) playing on six and seven selections respectively. Gordon is in rare form notably on “Up A Lazy River” on his bone and on the mic! Nancy Harms adds soft, inviting vocals on “Dream A Little Dream” and “I’ve Got The World On A String” balancing a fine set that would make Pops proud!
Publicist: Wycliffe Gordon
