A new album by American saxophonist and composer Chris Potter will be released on Friday 8 February.
Album The Sirens is Potter’s first album as a leader for the record label ECM, although numerous albums have been published for this reputable label on which Potter collaborated, like the ones of Dave Holland, Steve Swallow, Paul Motian, and Jason Moran.
The album consists of nine compositions where Potter plays the tenor and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet. The rest of the band are Craig Taborn on piano, David Virelles on piano, celeste and harmonium, Larry Grenadier on double bass and Eric Harland on drums.
Album The Sirens was inspired by Odyssey’s travels, and the music it brings is challenging, for the listener and the performer. “The musicians need to have strong personalities but also a certain maturity – and that’s why this band is just what I needed. These guys are state of the art!”, said Potter.
We listened to the American saxophone player twice at the Jazz Fest, first time in 2001 with Dave Holland, when they performed as a duo, and second time as a member of Holland’s Quintet in 2010. We enjoyed in Sarajevo the music of two more musicians of Potter’s band – Grenadier performed in 2006 as a member of FLY with Mark Turner and Jeff Ballard, and in 2008 as a member of Brad Mehldau Trio. Craig Taborn shared the stage in 2004 with Susie Ibarra Trio at the 8th edition of Jazz Fest Sarajevo 2008.
Since Potter appeared on New York’s jazz scene in 1989 as an 18 year old with bebop legend Red Rodney, he has established himself as a significant improvisor and composer. His discography includes 15 albums as a leader and around 100 guest appearances on other artist’s albums.