Bobby Gordon was the JCJB clarinetist during the 1970s. He occasionally appears at Landing as a guest artist. Bobby is a native New Yorker. Bobby studied jazz clarinet with Joe Marsala in New York City. Joe called Bobby his “most gifted student” and “most protege.” Bobby also worked with Wild Bill Davison and Bobby Hackett. From 1977 to 1980, he was Condon’s New York City house clarinetist. Bobby is also associated with Jim Cullum’s Happy Jazz Band, and Leon Redbone, the blues singer. Bobby has recorded solo LPs with Decca-MCA, as well as albums with Hal Smith’s Rhythmakers and Redbone’s Happy Jazz Band. Marty Grosz’s Orphan Newsboys and Destiny Tots were also among his recordings. A selection of lovely tunes he recorded with Adele Girard Marsala (Arbors Records) include Ray Sherman playing piano, Marty Corb playing bass, and Gene Estes drumming. He recorded, also for Arbors Records, a collection Pee Wee Russell tunes with Bob Haggart and Jon-Erik Kellso. Recent recordings include Bobby Gordon’s Plays Bing: A Tribute To Bing Crosby, with Dan Barrett, Keith Ingham, Marty Grosz, and Peter Ecklund; and Hal Smith’s Roadrunners, featuring Ray Skjelbred and Rebecca Kilgore. As a guest on the Tonight Show, Leon Redbone was joined by Ray Skjelbred and Mike Duffy. They also played at various jazz festivals throughout the country, including Conneaut Lake, Los Angeles Classic, Atlanta, and JVC. Bobby appeared in Japan in May 1995 and June 1996 with Marty Grosz, the Orphan Newsboys and at Lincoln Center in New York City in July 1996. Bobby’s clarinet sound is unique, following the tradition of Joe Marsala and Pee Wee Russell, Jimmie Noone (Frank Teschemacher), Benny Goodman (and other notable clarinetists). Since 1992, he has been leading a quartet at Milligan’s Bar and Grill La Jolla. Bob currently resides in San Diego, CA. from http://riverwalkjazz.org
