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Dave Douglas: The Infinite
by C. Andrew Hovan
When it comes to varied musical projects, trumpeter Dave Douglas seems to be almost schizoid in his zeal for not recreating himself. On a purely artistic level, that's a good thing. But for those trying to follow his career it can all seem to be a bit disjointed. You know, “I liked his last record, but what the hell is up with this new one?" That's why for me, and possibly other fans as well, The Infinite is the record ...
Continue ReadingDave Douglas: The Infinite
by David Adler
The Infinite is one of Dave Douglas's more “mainstream" dates, in that it features standard quintet instrumentation--save for Uri Caine's sparkling, superbly played Fender Rhodes. Paradoxically, though, this is also a record that finds Douglas loudly declaring his love for some current pop music. It opens with a tender reading of Rufus Wainwright's “Poses" and goes on to cover songs by Mary J. Blige ("Crazy Games") and Bjork ("Unison"). Douglas also tips his hat to Radiohead's lead singer on the ...
Continue ReadingChris Potter: Gratitude
by C. Andrew Hovan
Part of a triumvirate of heavy hitting young saxophonists that includes Joshua Redman and Eric Alexander, Chris Potter finally makes his major label debut on Verve with Gratitude. And while his track record via small label efforts for Criss Cross and Concord is without question, one always has to approach an artist’s first major label release with a bit of caution. On the surface, it’s positively clear that a “concept” is at work here. Fortunately, Potter’s homage to his inspirational ...
Continue ReadingChris Potter: Gratitude
by Jim Santella
With a like-minded quartet from jazz's mainstream, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter pays homage to saxophone masters John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, Eddie Harris, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, and Ornette Coleman. Most are Potter's compositions. Thirty-year-old Potter has also penned one composition for past masters, as well as one for the current generation. It's a fresh tribute album that steers close enough to each artist's saxophone style without imitating. Potter's star is ...
Continue ReadingChris Potter: Gratitude
by David Adler
Chris Potter is probably the second most famous young tenor player working today, Joshua Redman being the clear numero uno. After releasing over a half-dozen albums for Criss Cross and Concord, Potter now makes the leap to a major label, Verve, with the excellent Gratitude. Jazz is a lethargic sales category, so major labels often like jazz artists to do concept albums — usually tributes to legends both living and dead — to attract the attention of otherwise ...
Continue ReadingJoris Teepe: For Adults Only
by David Adler
With For Adults Only, Dutch bassist Joris Teepe adds to the steady flow of strong live albums being recorded at Smalls in New York. Enlisting David Hazeltine on piano, Bruce Cox on drums, and a killer frontline in Don Braden and Chris Potter, Teepe offers a batch of originals and standards with some provocative twists. The band sets Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge" to a mid-tempo, “Killer Joe"-type groove with tight ensemble hits on the melody. Hazeltine and Teepe share the spotlight ...
Continue ReadingJoris Teepe Quintet: For Adults Only
by Jim Santella
The album’s title comes from Joris Teepe’s title track. “For Adults Only," a serious hard bop anthem, drives the listener through a strenuous tenor battle by the quintet’s two-saxophone front line. It’s a unique sound, and the propulsion from this rhythm section makes it work. Don Braden and Chris Potter have distinct saxophone voices, making it easier for the listener to identify each. Their conversation closes out “For Adults Only," as the duel turns into a riot. Similarly, Freddie Hubbard’s ...
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