Jay Gordon (blues musician)

Jay Gordon is an American blues rock guitarist who recorded with Phillip Walker for his album Jaywalkin.[2] Gordon has also played at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival, sharing the stage with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana.[3]

Jay Gordon, performing with the Penetrators, February 2016. Courtesy of Brian Tierney and Backstage360.com[1]

Many journalists have praised Gordon for his instrument prowess,[2][3] but there are also many critics who claim that despite his ability to play fast, he is too loud, his solos are too long and are performed in poor taste, one even saying "Gordon’s constant wailing solos that become long, self-indulgent and some of the most uneconomical guitar playing around and some poor lyrics that lack a sense of the blues."[4]

Although though there many mixed views regarding Gordon's playing style and music, he is still a visible musician who has made many recordings, shares the stage with notable musicians and plays in many well known venues and events like, B.B. King's,[2] Crossroads,[3] and Las Vegas Bike Fest.[5]

Early life

Gordon was born in Charlotte, North Carolina[6] and later raised in Chicago, Illinois, "where at an early age he was exposed to jazz and blues by his grandmother, who played the piano and organ." The young Gordon played various instruments but discovered the guitar at age 14 and played in Top 40 cover bands as a teenager. He met Albert Collins at a young age and cites him as an influence.[2]

Critical reception

Negative reactions

Electricblues.com has expressed that the album Electric Redemption, "...is heavy-duty, highly animated, guitar-driven blues and heavy rock that will send most traditional blues fans running for cover. Only those interested in seeing just how far the blues can be stretched need dwell here".[7]

Positive reviews

There are several positive reviews from critics, one saying, "This L.A. blues guitar player is a guy who has everyone else just trying to keep up as he pulls off endless incendiary guitar solos. This is Gordon's fourth album, with a fifth threatened for an early '99 release. Here's a guy who attracts guitar players who show up to watch and take notes. GRADE: A-"[8] Regarding Gordon's album, Extremely Dangerous Blues, another reviewer expressed, "Although these performances are mostly fairly brief, there is no shortage of inventive ideas within the context of rockish Chicago blues, or any loss of passion."[9] Other reviewers, view Gordon's larger-than-life playing to be ambitious, stating, "Gordon doesn't believe in understatement or simplicity. While his songs tell about overcoming heartache, being an outcast, partying all night long, and starting up a relationship, each one comes loaded with fire. The lyrics may be difficult to understand, but Gordon's powerhouse guitar leaves no doubt that he means business."[10]

Recordings, personnel and sales rankings
From Left to Right: Jay Gordon, Sharon Butcher, and Abe Perez (former drummer of Yankee Rose) during the recording of White Rabbit at West Beach Studios. Photo courtesy of Michalis Limnios, Blues. Gr 2010[11]

*For non-Billboard charting acts, such as Jay Gordon, the Amazon sales rank may indicate relative online popularity and is subject to change at any time.

Year Album Title Credits and Personnel Amazon Sales Rank as of March 12, 2016*
2015 Woodchoppers Ball (as Jay and Blues Venom Gordon) #98,419[12]
2010 White Rabbit (as Jay Gordon and the Penetrators) Sharon Butcher Arranger, Guitar (Bass), Vocals

Donnell Cameron Engineer, Mixing, Pro-Tools

Jay Gordon Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Mixing, Producer, Vocals

Jay Gordon & the Penetrators Primary Artist

Michael Hawkins Photography

Seth Hum Assistant Engineer, Pro-Tools

Dave Longeuay Engineer, Mixing, Pro-Tools

Abe Perez Drums, Percussion

Joe Rock Artwork

Grace Slick Composer

[13]

 #1,513,506[14]
2010 Immortal (as Jay Gordon and the Penetrators) Sharon Butcher Arranger, Composer, Guitar (Bass), Lyricist, Mixing, Vocals

Mark Farrace Composer, Lyricist

Jay Gordon Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Lyricist, Mixing, Producer, Vocals

Jay Gordon & the Penetrators Primary Artist

Michael Hawkins Photography

Dave Longeuay Engineer, Mixing, Pro-Tools

Abe Perez Drums, Percussion

Joe Rock Artwork

[15]

 #729,110[16]
2009 Gold Rings Silver Bullets Ric Daly Drums, Member of Attributed Artist

Lee Davis Drums, Member of Attributed Artist

Jay Gordon Composer, Guitar, Member of Attributed Artist, Mixing, Primary Artist, Vocals

Jay Gordon & the Penetrators Primary Artist

David Longeway Audio Engineer, Mixing

Joe Rock Graphic Design

John Schayer Guitar (Bass), Member of Attributed Artist

Johnny Walker Drums, Member of Attributed Artist

[17]

 #615,809[18]
2007 Rings Around the Sun #484,617[19]
2005 Live On The Sunset Strip No Quarter Given #422,252[20]
2004 6 Strings Outlaw Butch Black Drums, Main Personnel

Bruno Boussard Graphic Design

Lee Davis Drums, Main Personnel

Patricia de Gorostarzu Photography

DJ Johnny Walker Drums, Main Personnel

Jay Gordon Audio Production, Composer, Guitar, Harmonica, Main Personnel, Primary Artist, Slide Guitar, Vocals

Richard Greene & The Grass Is Greener Bass

Russ Greene Bass Instrument, Main Personnel

Elmore James Composer

M. Levy Composer

Clarence Lewis Composer

David J. Longeuay Engineer, Mixing

John Schayer Guitar (Bass), Main Personnel

[21]

 #923,451[22]
2004 Broadcasting The Blues Butch Azevedo Drums

Luther Dixon Composer

Willie Dixon Composer

Wil Donovan Drums

Jay Gordon Composer, Drums, Guitar (Electric), Liner Notes, Primary Artist, Producer, Slide Guitar, Vocals

Buddy Guy Composer

Elmore James Composer

Clarence Lewis Composer

Dean Phelps Pre-Mastering

Al Smith Composer

Muddy Waters Composer

Scott Yanow Liner Notes

[23]

 #313,138[24]
2004 White Haven Powdered Black Jay Gordon Composer, Primary Artist

David J. Longeuay Engineer, Mastering

[25]

 #611,292[26]
2001 Extremely Dangerous Blues Jay Gordon Primary Artist

[27]

 No Rank[28]
2000 Jaywalkin with Phillip Walker Butch Azevedo Drums

Donald Cameron Engineer

Joey Covington Drums

Jay Gordon Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Primary Artist, Producer, Slide Guitar, Vocals

Phillip Walker Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Vocals

[29]

 #835,564[30]
1998 Electric Redemption Butch Azevedo Drums

Jay Gordon Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Harmonica, Performer, Primary Artist, Producer, Slide Guitar, Vocals

Russ Green Guitar (Bass)

David J. Longeuay Engineer, Mastering

[31]

 #628,008[32]

See also

References
  1. "Jay Gordon and Blues Venom - BackStage360.com". www.backstage360.com. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  2. Fowler, James (May 15, 1997). "MUSIC; The Speed of Sound; Guitarist Jay Gordon lets his fingers fly.: [Valley Edition]". Los Angeles Times. Newsbank Database. p. 43. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  3. Deitsch, Doug (July 19, 2007). "Acclaimed Chicago-Style Blues Rock Guitarist-Vocalist Jay Gordon and The Penetrators". allaccessmagazine.com.
  4. "Blues Rock Review - Jay Gordon Blues Venom - No Cure". Bluesrockreview.com.
  5. "Las Vegas Bike Fest - Jay Gordon and the Penetrators". Rockoveramerica.com.
  6. Santella, Jim (June 13, 2007). "Jay Gordon And The Penetrators: Gold Rings, Silver Bullets". allaboutjazz.com.
  7. "Jay Gordon - Electric Redemption - Blue Ace - 1998". Electricblues.com.
  8. Locey, Bill (October 1, 1998). "MUSIC; LOCAL ANGLE; Making Music; Whether blues, swing or jazz, most local bands' releases are grade A.: [Valley Edition]". Los Angeles Times. Newsbank Database. p. 58. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  9. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - Extremely Dangerous Blues - Review". allmusic.com.
  10. Jazz, All About. "Jay Gordon and the Penetrators: Gold Rings, Silver Bullets". www.allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  11. "Q&A with powerful guitarist/singer Jay Gordon -- has delivered a sparkling Blues Rocker's solid granite gem". Blues.gr. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  12. "Amazon.com - Woodchoppers Ball". Amazon.com.
  13. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon and the Penetrators - White Rabbit". allmusic.com.
  14. "Amazon.com - White Rabbit". Amazon.com.
  15. "Allmusic - Jay Gordon and the Penetrators - Immortal". allmusic.com.
  16. "Amazon.com - Immortal". Amazon.com.
  17. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - Gold Rings Silver Bullets". allmusic.com.
  18. "Amazon.com - Gold Rings Silver Bullets". Amazon.com.
  19. "Amazon.com - Rings Around the Sun". Amazon.com.
  20. "Amazon.com - Live On The Sunset Strip No Quarter Given". Amazon.com.
  21. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - 6 Strings Outlaw". allmusic.com.
  22. "Amazon.com - 6 Strings Outlaw". Amazon.com.
  23. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - Broadcasting the Blues". allmusic.com.
  24. "Amazon.com - Broadcasting the Blues". Amazon.com.
  25. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - White Haven Powdered Black". allmusic.com.
  26. "Amazon.com - White Haven Powdered Black". Amazon.com.
  27. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - Extremely Dangerous Blues".
  28. "Amazon.com - Extremely Dangerous Blues". Amazon.com.
  29. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon Phillip Walker - Jaywalkin". allmusic.com.
  30. "Amazon.com - Jay Walking". Amazon.com.
  31. "Allmusic.com - Jay Gordon - Electric Redemption". allmusic.com.
  32. "Amazon.com - Electric Redemption". Amazon.com.
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