Biography
There are two artists named the Gordons:
1. The Gordons formed in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1980 and were comprised of Alister Parker (Guitar/Vocals), John Halvorsen (Bass) and Brent McLachlan (Drums).
With a sound both edgy post-Punk and semi-industrial, they toured and recorded throughout 1980, and in October released their first EP "Future Shock", along with a video for the song "Adults And Children." In late 1981, they recorded their first album "Volume One", which was voted album of 1981 in music magazine Ripitup, and subsequently split up. In late 1983, though, they re-emerged with Alister Parker replaced by new singer/guitarist Vince Pinker, and released their second album "Volume Two" in 1984. From late 1984 to 1986, the original line-up of The Gordons reformed and began recording material, which they later refused to release.
During this late period, John Halvorsen joined the Skeptics, while in 1986, Alister Parker formed a new band initially called Nelsh Bailter Space. Halvorsen joined the now truncated Bailter Space in 1987, and in 1989, the original Gordans lineup was reunited when Brent McLachlan also joined the band.
Flying Nun Europe (and subsequently Flying Nun proper) reissued The Gordons and Future Shock on one CD, while Volume Two remains unavailable and highly sought after.
2. The Gordons are a folk music duo consisting of Gary Gordon and Roberta Gordon, who are husband and wife. They have been performing professionally since 1973.
They have been bringing their folk, bluegrass, and country music blend to audiences since the 1970s, when they began touring throughout the Midwestern United States, playing clubs, fairs, festivals and colleges. The husband and wife duo has also become popular in the Carolinas, the Northeastern United States, and in Europe.
In 1989 they recorded with Dobroist Josh Graves and bluegrass fiddler Kenny Baker, from Bill Monroe's band, The Bluegrass Boys. The resulting album was Old Time Radio Show. The Gordons released Wasn't Born To Follow one year later; this was a more country flavored record, featuring fiddler Wade Ray.
In 1996, The Gordons toured Ireland, and performed live in Dublin on Ireland's RTE television network. End of a Long Hard Day was released in 1997; this album was hailed by critic Edward Morris of Billboard, who stated "the Gordons bring to mind that most listenable of all bluegrass bands, the great Flatt & Scruggs." The national folk music magazine, Dirty Linen, wrote that the album "is touching, sad and beautiful".
A live record chronicling their tours in Europe arrived in 1999, titled "Live in Holland". The Gordons released Time Will Tell Our Story in 2002, with guest musicians Alison Brown and Robert Bowlin. Our Time followed in 2008 on their own label.
Occasionally, they tour with a larger ensemble, including David Johnson, the longtime fiddler for Randy Travis.
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