Jon Gordon

Jon Gordon is an Associate Professor at the Desautels Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba, where he teaches jazz saxophone, composition, and ensemble coaching. A 1996 Thelonious Monk Competition winner, he has performed with icons like Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, and Wayne Shorter, while releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Evolution and Within Worlds.

• B.Mus., Manhattan School of Music
• M.Mus., SUNY Purchase

His research spans creative jazz composition, oral history interviews, and educational materials like Foundations for Improvisers. His 2020 book Jazz Dialogues debuted at #1 on Amazon’s jazz releases, featuring conversations with legends including Phil Woods and Milt Hinton.

Key awards include a 2022 JUNO nomination for Stranger Than Fiction and recognition for For Sue as an Indie Excellence finalist. His recent 7th Ave South project (2024) documents collaborative recording with ensembles across Winnipeg and NYC, blending live and remote techniques.