Joel Gordon Jazz Duo/Trio/Quartet

A joy-filled casual conversation. Keeping things simple but swinging. A combination of sax with piano, guitar, bass, and/or drums to fit the venue or event. Playing standards of the jazz cannon as well as a few modern takes.

Above: Joel Gordon (Tenor Saxophone) and Ty Green (Guitar).

Above: Joel Gordon (Tenor Saxophone), Nick Brown (Bass), and Jeff Seba (Drums).

Joel Gordon’s Happy Habitat

Sharing the humor, quirks, and joy that music brings. A “chordless” quartet playing all original music from JG. Many-a tongue-in-cheek tunes that have the democracy for movement and spontaneity.

Above: Joel Gordon (Alto Saxophone), Adam Larson (Tenor Saxophone), Seth Lee (Bass), and Brian Steever (Drums).

Above: Joel Gordon (Alto Saxophone), Tim AuBuchon (Tenor Saxophone), Ben Wheeler (Bass), and Kaleb Kirby (Drums).

Matt Cook Collective

Lead by the ever-deviceful Matt Cook: a circle of musicians that share a passion for the improvisational jazz roots–influences draw from progressive, neoclassical, and avant garde idioms.

Above: Matt Cook (Tenor Saxophone), Joel Gordon (Alto Saxophone), Matt Clinkenbeard (Guitar), Nick Brown (Bass), and Nate McDonald (Drums).

Northland Big Band

Assembling professionals, educators, and local music lovers, the Northland Big Band is the premier large jazz ensemble “North of the River” in KCMO. The group performs monthly at Cinder Block Brewery.

Above: Joel Gordon (alto), Fred Mulholland (trumpet), Max Levy (tenor).

Above: Pete Carroll (trumpet).

Northland Symphony Youth Saxophone Ensemble

Drawing from through the KC Metro, NYSE provides an opportunity for motivated high school saxophonists (grades 9-12) to learn together and make great music. The group is auditioned each Spring and meets throughout the school year. Additionally, NYSE hosts KC Saxophone Christmas each December in collaboration with William Jewell College.

Above: 2024 NYSE Spring Concert.

Above: KC Saxophone Christmas – December 2024 (155 registrations).