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Unconventional Wisdom Jazz is the home of musician, trumpeter and band leader Bud Gordon.

Bud has worked in many varied musical situations and has added his musical expertise to Broadway shows, Big Band performances,  Small combo and Big Band Jazz, Funk and Salsa groups. Whether as a Soloist, in the lead, or as a reliable section mate, the music tells the tale.

Larry Koonse, Bud, Darryl Vandruff and Scott Colley at Mammoth (CA) Jazz Fest circa 1980
Larry Koonse, Bud, Darryl Vandruff and Scott Colley at Mammoth (CA) Jazz Fest circa 1980)

He was music director and horn section leader of Orquesta Sabroso, the Latin Salsa band co-founded with Dennis Bueno and Julio Garcia. Bud was an integral member of Phil Allen‘s Thin Air Jazz for its highly successful Colorado run. (Listen to Bud solo on Phil’s composition “Sneakin’ Up On Spring” here.) In addition, Bud has performed at numerous Musical Worship Services realized within a number of the great variety of Faiths and inspiring religious groups that are found in Colorado Springs.

 Bud toured as Lead Trumpet with legendary Singer and Pianist Ray Charles as part of The Ray Charles Orchestra in 1978/1979. Here’s “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” from Austin City Limits with a fantastic band that included  Dr. James Polk, Tim Ouimette, Gerard Carelli, Dan Wilensky, Dan Marcus, Peter Turre and one of Bud’s trumpet heroes, Johnny Coles from Philadelphia.

Bud was also lucky enough to be involved at the inception of “The Ren & Stimpy Show” and can be heard here on The Muddy Mudskipper Theme from one of the first episodes of the ground breaking show.

In addition to the Bud Gordon Quartet and Sextet, TRAILERJAZZ, his big band duties, and other freelance work, Bud is proud to be a long-time member of The American Patriots Jazz Orchestra under the direction of legendary Gospel Music Pastor Doyle Combs.

Bud is currently a member of the Denver Jazz Orchestra that was featured at Denver’s 5 Points Jazz Festival and live on KUVO in May of 2017. Below is a little bit of the DJO’s  “Las Vegas” tribute show they performed at Denver’s Dazzle earlier this year.  Jerrine singing “The Way You Look Tonight”.