Don Glori

New Musik Radar - Don Glori Page Image

Don Glori is the musical alias of Gordon Li, a Melbourne-born, London-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his genre-blending sound that traverses jazz, funk, soul, R&B, samba, and beyond. Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Naarm (Melbourne), Li has established himself as a dynamic force in contemporary music, seamlessly integrating diverse influences into his work.

His debut album, Welcome, released in 2022 on Bedroom Suck Records, is a kaleidoscopic exploration of jazz, Brazilian rhythms, soul, and funk. The album features eight tracks that capture the spirit and energy of live performance, with layers of vocal harmonies, pulsating samba rhythms, and spiritual overtones. Recorded at Rolling Stock Studios and The Bungalow, Welcome garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for the Australian Music Prize and multiple Music Victoria awards.

In 2024, Don Glori released his second album, Don't Forget to Have Fun, through DeepMatter Records. This record reflects a period of personal and artistic growth, blending jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and samba into a cohesive and intoxicating listening experience. Tracks like "Emerald" and "All Seeds" showcase his ability to channel influences from artists such as Steely Dan, Azymuth, and Brian Bennett, while maintaining a unique and contemporary sound. The album was recorded with a collective of Melbourne's finest jazz musicians, further emphasizing Glori's collaborative spirit.

Don Glori's third album, Paper Can't Wrap Fire, released on May 16, 2025, via Mr Bongo. Recorded over two days at Rolling Stock Studios in Collingwood, Naarm, tis project marks a new direction in his songwriting, delving deeper into soul, R&B, and funk-oriented compositions while retaining his jazz roots. The album's title, derived from an old Chinese proverb meaning "you can't deny the truth," serves as a thematic thread throughout the record. Collaborations with artists like ML Hall, Ruby Dargaville, and Bianca Kyriacou, along with contributions from trumpeter Audrey Powne and saxophonist Joshua Moshe, enrich the album's sonic palette.

Paper Can’t Wrap Fire Don Glori
album indie jazz, jazz fusion, jazz house, nu jazz
Flicker Bianca Kyriacou, Don Glori, ML Hall
track indie jazz, jazz fusion, nu jazz
Power Don Glori
track indie jazz, jazz fusion, jazz house, nu jazz
Don’t Forget to Have Fun Don Glori
album indie jazz, jazz fusion, jazz house, nu jazz
Welcome Don Glori
album indie jazz, jazz fusion, jazz house, nu jazz