Potter / Mehldau / Patitucci / Blake
In March 2024, the album "Eagle's Point" was released, and is well on its way to become the best jazz album of the year. The disc features saxophonist Chris Potter, famous for his boundless creativity, his technique and immaculate sense of swing, playing alongside Brad Mehldau, described by The New York Times as "the most influential jazz pianist of the past twenty years”, and bassist John Patitucci, winner of four Grammy awards and with a track record of some thirty years. Joining them on the tour that brings them to Europe and the Festival Canarias Jazz & Más, is drummer Johnathan Blake, whom NPR described as "the ultimate modernist". With credentials ranging from Pharoah Sanders & Wayne Shorter, across Sting, Paul Simon & Herbie Hancock, all the way up to Pat Metheny & Avishai Cohen, playing together, these four virtuosos cover just about every style under the sun.
Chris Potter has established himself as a towering figure on the global jazz scene, renowned for his profound impact and innovation as a saxophonist. With a career marked by technical mastery and a bold, imaginative approach to composition and improvisation, Potter’s versatility and creativity have not only earned him critical acclaim but have also influenced a generation of musicians. His new studio album, Eagle’s Point, released on Edition Records, stands as a testament to his brilliance, as a composer, instrumentalist and bandleader, uniting four unparalleled luminaries of the genre, Brad Mehldau, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade.
The album consisting of eight original compositions by Chris Potter, is a showcase of his exceptional skill, crafting melodies and a sound so uniquely his. Kicking off the album, Dream of Home sets the stage with its ethereal, minimalist piano chords, immediately drawing us into a world that’s unmistakably Potter’s own. The track unfolds with a vibrant melodic structure, rich in interplay and nuance.
As the piece evolves, the unique voices of the legendary artists involved gradually make their presence felt. Each artist brings their distinct flair, yet together they create a tapestry of sound that’s harmonious and flawlessly integrated. This subtle mastery, never overdone, marries a sense of playfulness with a depth and seriousness that demands and holds the listener’s attention.
Cloud Message carries forward with a sense of purposeful drive, featuring a bold and charismatic tenor saxophone sound that commands attention. In contrast, Aira for Ana showcases a display of sheer mastery and nuance. This piece epitomises total expression and poise, offering a depth of execution, communication, and expression that is simply unparalleled.
In the intimate confines of a small group setting, Potter’s musical narratives flourish, marked by moments of virtuosic interplay, infectious grooves, and those quintessential Potter-esque melodies. Each track is a testament to their collective genius, a confluence of unparalleled talent, virtuosic brilliance, and artistic expression of the highest calibre.
Line-Up:
Chris Potter: Saxophone
Brad Mehldau: Piano
John Patitucci: Double bass
Jonathan Blake: Drums
