Cliff Gordon, a world-class musician, has been fervent in his development and pursuits to realize his latest projects. Within the past 15 years he has made his way to over 25 cities, spanning 6 countries, and worked with countless other musicians, educators, producers. While in the U.S., he’s had the pleasure of performing with and learning from timeless icons and juggernauts. While overseas, he received his Masters’ degree while touring and recording based on what he’s learned. He’s been steadily working within the industry as a musician, producer, and educator; trekking around the world from Texas to Jordan. As he continues down this path, he aims to continue to sway the direction of music with his ideas and approaches to sonic artistry. For more info, visit cliffgordonmusic.com

Cliff Gordon

Cliff Gordon, a world-class musician, has been fervent in his development and pursuits to realize his latest projects. Within the past 15 years he has made his way to over 25 cities, spanning 6 countries, and worked with countless other musicians, educators, producers. While in the U.S., he’s had the pleasure of performing with and learning from timeless icons and juggernauts. While overseas, he received his Masters’ degree while touring and recording based on what he’s learned. He’s been steadily working within the industry as a musician, producer, and educator; trekking around the world from Texas to Jordan. As he continues down this path, he aims to continue to sway the direction of music with his ideas and approaches to sonic artistry. For more info, visit cliffgordonmusic.com

Available to hire

Cliff Gordon, a world-class musician, has been fervent in his development and pursuits to realize his latest projects. Within the past 15 years he has made his way to over 25 cities, spanning 6 countries, and worked with countless other musicians, educators, producers.
While in the U.S., he’s had the pleasure of performing with and learning from timeless icons and juggernauts. While overseas, he received his Masters’ degree while touring and recording based on what he’s learned. He’s been steadily working within the industry as a musician, producer, and educator; trekking around the world from Texas to Jordan. As he continues down this path, he aims to continue to sway the direction of music with his ideas and approaches to sonic artistry.
For more info, visit cliffgordonmusic.com

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced

Work Experience

Tenor Saxophonist / Sideman at The Wycliffe Gordon All-Stars / The Jazz Cruise
February 1, 2025 - February 28, 2025
Performed arrangements and original jazz repertoire as a sideman; touring and performing on Signature Cruise Experience with The Wycliffe Gordon All-Stars.
Tenor Saxophonist Sub at The Temptations / The 4 Tops
September 24, 2025 - September 24, 2025
Practiced and performed songs by The Temptations and The 4 Tops as a sub performer.
Featured Tenor Saxophonist at Culture in Color: A Tribute to Tupac Shakur
November 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025
Practiced, arranged, and performed songs by Tupac Shakur in a tribute performance.
2nd Alto Saxophonist at Houston Latin Jazz Orchestra
January 9, 2026 - January 9, 2026
2nd Alto Saxophone; performed Latin jazz repertoire as part of the ensemble.
Band Leader at Cliff Gordon Xtet
October 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024
Band leader; performed arrangements and original jazz tunes at Texas Jazz Festival events (October 2022 – 2024).
Tenor Saxophonist / Featured Artist at MOT Summer Mixtape
July 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021
Performed collaboratively with The Everlasting Vibez at Miller Outdoor Theater; featured artist.
Tenor Saxophonist (Essence Festival) at Essence Festival (Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
July 2, 2017 - July 2, 2017
Solange Knowles’s auxiliary sax player; performed with the festival lineup.
Tenor Saxophonist / Clinician at MUSICIANS Festival (Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
August 1, 2018 - August 31, 2018
Performed originals and arrangements; festival clinician for Summer Cinema.
Executive Extra / Dixieland Clarinetist at Universal Studios Production – Get On Up
November 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013
Performed recorded music on set and co-choreographed breakdown (Natchez, MS).
Clarinet Pit Musician at Hairspray – New Stage Theater
June 1, 2013 - July 31, 2013
Attend rehearsals and perform for a live audience; improvisation included.
Tenor Sax Sideman at Hello Pops! Show
April 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012
Practice and perform music; live performances.
Tenor Saxophonist at Indy Jazz Fest
July 1, 2011 - July 31, 2011
Practice and perform as a featured guest artist.
Tenor Sax / Sideman at Lincoln Center – Red Hot Holiday Stomp
December 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Performed as a sideman; high-profile collaboration with Wynton Marsalis.
Alto Saxophonist at Ensemble – 12 Ways of Christmas
December 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009
Alto Sax; pit musician; improvisation included.
Music Transcriber / Copyist at Self-Directed / Freelance
September 1, 2006 - Present
Review, proofread, and edit music scores; create individual parts for ensembles.
Private Instructor at Self-Directed
September 1, 2006 - Present
Private lessons; create and implement customized lesson plans.
Improvisation Instructor at Jazz Ed’s Summer Jazz Workshop
June 1, 2017 - Present
Improvisation instructor; seasonal program.
Saxophone and Jazz Method Instructor at MUSICIANS Summer Camp (Czechia)
August 1, 2018 - Present
Saxophone and jazz method instruction; summertime program.
Professor – Audio Recording Technology at Houston Community College (HCC)
January 21, 2020 - Present
Teach audio recording technology; lead courses and labs.
Camp Counselor / Private Instructor at Stanford Jazz Workshop
June 1, 2022 - June 1, 2024
Camp counselor and private instructor; jazz education activities.

Education

Master of Music (M.M.) at Berklee Valencia – Contemporary Performance (Studio Production)
September 1, 2014 - August 1, 2015
Jazz Studies at University of North Texas
September 1, 2010 - May 1, 2012
B.A. in Jazz Studies at Jackson State University
September 1, 2009 - May 1, 2010
B.A. in Jazz Studies at Jackson State University
September 1, 2012 - May 1, 2014
High School Diploma at High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
September 1, 2005 - May 1, 2009

Qualifications

Music Transcriber / Copyist
September 1, 2006 - March 11, 2026
Jazz Ed’s Summer Jazz Workshop – Improvisation Instructor
June 1, 2017 - March 11, 2026
Saxophone / Jazz Method Instructor
August 1, 2018 - March 11, 2026
Professor – Audio Recording Technology
January 21, 2020 - March 11, 2026
Camp Counselor / Private Instructor
June 1, 2022 - June 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services