Gordon Towell
Fast Facts
Instrument: Saxophones
How long have you been playing?: A long time.
What do you do when you’re not playing with Landau?: I teach Jazz at Morehead State University.
Who are some other notable artists you’ve played with or gigs you’ve played?: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, LeAnn Rimes, and others.
What’s your most memorable Landau gig?: The Gilligan’s Island Theme.
What’s your favorite part of playing with Landau?: His incredible musicianship and the way he always “brings it” to every performance.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?: Soccer and sailing.
What advice do you have for young musicians?: Practice and listen to all types of music. Don’t be afraid to ask advice from older players.
Gordon Towell
When Canadian Saxophonist Gordon Towell’s not teaching jazz in a Morehead State University classroom, he’s likely to be performing with the Vince DiMartino/MilesOsland Jazz Orchestra (DOJO), the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra, the Lipzz Big Band, and many national acts. Towell, who holds a BEd in music education from the University of Alberta, an MM in jazz studies from Indiana University and a DME with a cognate in jazz studies from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, has shared his expertise with students at the University of Cincinnati, Indiana University, Keyano College, Grant MacEwan College, and numerous public schools. A Professor of Music in jazz studies and music education at Morehead, Towell directs two jazz bands and several jazz combos, teaches jazz history and improvisation, and prepares student teachers for the classroom. He also finds time to adjudicate, guest solo and perform with national and international artists, and conduct throughout Canada and the U.S. His saxophone performance can be heard on Outlier, Sketch Pad, Ask Me Now, Blue Duck Suit, and Still Friends, which are all available through cdbaby.com. These CDs have been featured on NPR, CBC, and CKUA radio.
Gordon is a recipient of the 2001 Morehead State University’s Distinguished Creative Productions Award. He is a Conn Selmer clinician and plays Selmer saxophones. Gordon is a Conn-Selmer clinician.