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Chris Potter 10: Song for Anyone
ByChris Potter 10 features ten original compositions for string trio (violin, viola, cello), an unusual mix of woodwinds (flute, clarinet, bassoon) and a conventional rhythm section (guitar, bass, drums) alongside Potter's tenor and soprano saxophones. Potter's writing is expansive, at times referencing a kind of contemporary classicism the way Maria Schneider sometimes does, elements of Coltrane-informed Eastern spirituality and freedom, gentle folkloric backbeats that anchor contrapuntal melodies, Latinesque rhythms and even a touch of country. Throughout the nearly 75-minute set there's no shortage of diverse grooves to support the sometimes visceral, sometimes lyrical solos from everyone involved.
On these largely lengthy pieces, Potter demonstrates a surprising ear for orchestration. There will be the inevitable "Third Stream" comparisons to recent works like Joe Lovano's Streams of Expression (Blue Note, 2006), but Potter's choice of instrumentation makes Song for Anyone an album that, even when the energy level notches up, is all about soft surfaces and rounded edges. Guitarist Steve Cardenas and bassist Scott Colley are key contributors to Potter's distinctive ambience, especially Cardenas, whose predilection for nylon string guitar makes him sometimes felt more than heard, but always an essential part of Potter's detailed scores.
While strong arrangements define the majority of the album, there are moments of pure freedom, most notably at the start of Potter's powerful solo over a turbulent maelstrom from Colley and drummer Adam Cruz on "Closer to the Sun." A pedal tone from the strings ultimately evolves into an ascending series of dissonant chords as Potter's solo winds down to a string trio section that's dark but strikingly beautiful. Elsewhere, on the equally episodic "Chief Seattle," Potter and Colley go it alone for an in tandem solo section that's the result of many years spent working together on a variety of projects.
Other notable soloists included flautist Erica von Kleist's on "The Absence," Michael Rabinowitz's surprisingly lyrical bassoon on the folkloric "Family Tree," violinist Mark Feldman's fiery take on "Chief Seattle" and clarinetist Greg Tardy, on the propulsive title track.
Potter's reputation as one of the most important saxophonists to emerge in the past fifteen years continues to be validated with each passing year. Song for Anyone ups the ante, making it clear that, more than "just" an important saxophonist, he's a broad-minded artist whose composition and arrangement skills deserve to be considered of equal value.
Track Listing
The Absence; Against the Wind; Closer to the Sun; Family Tree; Chief Seattle; Cupid and Psyche; Song for Anyone; The Arc of a Day; Estrellas del Sur; All by All.
Personnel
Chris Potter
saxophoneChris Potter: tenor and soprano saxophones; Erica von Kleist: flute; Greg Tardy: clarinet; Michael Rabinowitz: bassoon; Mark Feldman: violin; Lois Martin: viola; David Eggar: cello; Steve Cardenas: guitar; Scott Colley: bass; Adam Cruz: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Song for Anyone | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records