Chris Potter Quartet in Chicago

[LWayne]

Much has been written recently about the evolving sound of Chris Potter. As demonstrated both with the Dave Holland Quintet and his own quartet, and documented on his new release "Underground", there can be no dispute that his level of playing and performance has matured greatly.

So it was with great anticipation and delight that I caught the first set of his Chicago homecoming; an opening night at the Jazz Showcase last Thursday night. After a brief 30 minute delay, the Chris Potter Quartet (Chris Potter on Tenor Sax, Craig Taborn on Keyboards, Nate Smith on Drums, and Adam Rogers subbing for Wayne Krantz on Guitar) took the stage to celebrate the recent release of their new CD "Underground" on Sunnyside.

The first song was a recent composition by Potter entitled "Boots". This was a great number to open the set with in that it is an up-tempo burner that provided Potter and the rest of the group ample opportunity to stretch out. The next song, a moody elegy by the group Radiohead called "Morning Bell" spotlighted the subdued interaction between Potter on tenor sax and a moody Taborn on rhodes synth. The slow pace of the song was the perfect vehicle for some memorable blowing by Potter that evidenced the richness and depth of his tone on tenor.

The third selection was a tune called "Train" where Potter and Nate Smith on drums simply burned through the melody. This energetic song underscored the tight-knit chemistry of the group, but also allowed for Adam Rogers to chime in some tasty licks on electric guitar following along a tight backbeat laid down by Smith.

The last two songs of the first set, "Lotus Blossom" and the closing "Big Top" were taken from the just released "Underground". While the sentimental interpretation of the classic ballad by Strayhorn stayed pretty close to the original theme, the Potter composition "Big Top" was a real tour de force. This song simply rocked from beginning to end and was the highlight of the evening. Potter had ample opportunity to illustrate his creativity and chops on some great up-tempo solos on this number, as the group really stretched out as compared to the tamer version on the album.

This was truly a great and enjoyable evening from an artist who is really just beginning to hit his stride and must be considered alongside other luminaries on the tenor sax. Warning- miss this group at your own peril!

Best concert of the year, so far!

LWayne

Edited February 5, 2006 by LWayne

[BFrank]

That's great to hear. He's coming to Yoshi's at the end of the month. I just might have to check it out.

[sal]

LWayne, were you there for the first set on Thursday? I was there too! A co-worker and I were sitting over on the couch-like seats off to the right. Hope to meet you next time.

Great review of the show. I echo your sentiments. I've always liked Potter and knew he was going to evolve into an excellent player, but he is really exceeding everything I ever thought he'd become. There were moments on Thursday night where I was simply awestruck. His playing is becoming so exciting, and incredibly rhythmic as well. His solos were some of the most intense and far reaching I've ever heard in a live setting. He is becoming a master storyteller on the horn. Plus, his tone, which has been to die for as long as I've known of him, just keeps getting stronger and prettier.

I noticed that he and Nate Smith seem to have formulated a very strong musical relationship. I've heard Potter play with Bill Stewart, Billy Kilson, Gene Jackson, and Clarence Penn, but none of them seem to lock in with Potter like Nate Smith does. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Potter sounds so inspired?

Anyways, like LWayne said, this was an excellent show. The group, its concept, and the songs were all really cool, but its Potter's tremendous playing that really sealed the deal for me. I am truly excited that he is still relatively young and hopefully has a long career ahead of him. He has the potential to achieve great things.

[sheldonm]

I made yesterdays show; I'll post a few photographs tonight.

m~

[blake]

That's great to hear. He's coming to Yoshi's at the end of the month. I just might have to check it out.

I'll be in SF that weekend and was contemplating checking out Potter as well. I'll let you know if I decide to attend.

[jlhoots]

They're in Albuquerque on Mar. 2.

Plan to see them.

[ValerieB]

. . . and i plan to see them in los angeles in a few weeks at the jazz bakery.

[sheldonm]

...here are a few images from the show.

Mark

[sheldonm]

....Nate Smith

[sheldonm]

...and old man potter!

[sheldonm]

...and

[sheldonm]

...after about 2 tunes, this is what he looked like to me.....I think it was the Rhodes!