Jay Gordon is an American blues rock guitarist who recorded with Phillip Walker for his album Jaywalkin. Gordon has also played at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival, sharing the stage with Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Carlos Santana.
Early life Gordon was born in Charlotte, North Carolina 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.
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".
BluesRockReview.com reviewed: "[...] there are two main problems [...]; firstly 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.
Positive reviews Many critics have praised Gordon for his instrument prowess, 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−"
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."
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."
Recordings, personnel and sales rankings
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. YearAlbum titleCredits and PersonnelAmazon Sales Rank as of March 12, 2016*2015Woodchoppers Ball (as Jay and Blues Venom Gordon)98,4192010White 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 Composer1,513,5062010Immortal (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 Artwork729,1102009Gold Rings Silver BulletsRic 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 Artist615,8092007Rings Around the Sun484,6172005Live On The Sunset Strip No Quarter Given422,25220046 Strings OutlawButch 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 Personnel923,4512004Broadcasting The BluesButch 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 Notes313,1382004White Haven Powdered BlackJay Gordon Composer, Primary Artist David J. Longeuay Engineer, Mastering611,2922001Extremely Dangerous BluesJay Gordon Primary ArtistNo Rank2000Jaywalkin with Phillip WalkerButch 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), Vocals835,5641998Electric RedemptionButch 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, Mastering628,008
See also Chicago blues List of blues musicians :Category:American blues guitarists
References