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Traveling Mercies
Chris Potter | Verve Music Group (2002)
Walking in jazz saxophonist Chris Potter's shoes on his new recording Traveling
Mercies may prove to be a rewarding experience for the exploratory listener. The
multitalented musician has covered a lot of ground on recent tours and sessions with
acclaimed recordings such as the Dave Holland Quintet's Not for Nothin' and Steely
Dan's Two Against Nature. His skill as musician, composer, and arranger comes to
the forefront on Traveling Mercies to give the listener a glimpse of the musical
roads he has traveled so well.
The idea behind the new recording comes from the artist's reflections of recent tours as a bandleader and sideman. The listener will receive a musical itinerary that is layered with different textures and environments, which offers a modern jazz mentality. This is a departure from his previous recording Gratitude which paid homage to great saxophonists such as John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. The music now infuses elements such as sound samples, electric keyboards, guitars, and various elements to create a kaleidoscope of sound. Potter possesses a strong tenor sound, which is throaty and deep with meaning, but it's a real treat to hear him on bass clarinet, flute, and odd instrumentation such as the reed organ. Combine this with exceptional compositional skills, and choice musicians; Traveling Mercies is a cut above the rest. Guitar wizards, John Scofield and Adam Rogers enhance the mix with progressive playing on many of the selections. Kevin Hays provides nice work on the piano and Fender Rhodes, while bassist Scott Colley and drummer Bill Stewart are a tried and true formula for tight rhythms. Highlights abound on the recording such as the atmospheric "Highway One" and the multi-textured "Any Moment Now," which is a testament to Potter's arranging skills. The recording concludes with the serene "Just as I Am," which features a lovely piano and clarinet duet. Highly recommended.
Chris Potter at All About Jazz.
Personnel: Chris Potter - tenor and soprano saxophone, alto flute, bass clarinet, reed organ, clavinet, sampler, percussion, voice;
John Scofield - guitar; Adam Rogers - acoustic and slide guitar;
Kevin Hays - piano, Fender Rhodes, clavinet; Scott Colley - bass;
Bill Stewart - drums Style: Modern Jazz
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 Articles by Mark F. Turner
Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories. More about Mark...
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