Biography

Gordon Brisker, M.A. (Cal.St.U.L.A.) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and has had a long and successful career as a jazz musician, most notably performing with and/or writing for the Woody Herman Band, Anita O'Day (as M.D.), Louie Bellson, Bobby Shew, and as a Naxos Jazz recording artist and Rico endorsee. He has also taught at the University of Sydney for five years, and has conducted clinics and masterclasses worldwide.

Mostly recognized for his tenor saxophone playing and composing, he has also recorded as a pianist, flautist and clarinetist. Brisker's arrangements and compositions are also featured on many recordings. He has recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Shew, Stanley Clarke, Jack DeJonette, Tim Hagans and Mike Nock, among noteworthy other.

In 1995 Gordon left Los Angeles to accept a position as Lecturer in Jazz Studies at The University of Sydney. He returned to the U.S. in 2001, presently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Brisker's latest recordings are as a Naxos Jazz artist. His first release, The Gift, features Tim Hagans on trumpet, Marc Copland on piano, Jay Anderson on bass and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. My Son John, released in 2001, highlights Mike Nock on piano, Tim Hagans on trumpet, Anthony Cox on bass and Billy Hart on drums.

In the field of education, Gordon has recently presented masterclasses at Boston University, San Francisco State University, and the University of Cincinnati and is currrently traveling much of the year as a performer and clinician.

Some of Brisker's history as a musician:

  • The Woody Herman Band
  • Musical Director for Anita O'Day
  • Composer-The Tonight Show Orchestra

Teaching experience:

Gordon Brisker is a Rico Artist and Clinician for Rico International.
Gordon uses Rico Select JAZZ3Hard (unfiled) tenor saxophone reeds exclusively.