Gratitude by Chris Potter

04 Mar

Written by Lee Prosser
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This CD is a collection of tunes dedicated to saxophonists past, present and future. To this end Chris Potter has written tunes that suggest and evoke the sound of greats like Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins and others, and also covered standards associated with Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins. In these efforts Potter has achieved varying degrees of success.

Among this CD's highlights are "Sun King" for Sonny Rollins and "Eurydice" for Wayne Shorter. In the first instance, Potter & band do a nice job of playing in the Caribbean style that Rollins has used to such great effect in pieces like "St. Thomas." The latter cut features Potter on soprano saxophone and the band does a credible job of creating the pensive air of a Wayne Shorter composition. Other tracks, such as "Vox Humana" for Ornette Coleman and "The Source" for John Coltrane, are less successful, conveying a sense of respect for their musical innovations while demonstrating an incomplete understanding thereof.

Drummer Brian Blade is a standout throughout the course of the proceedings, although he tends, at times, to overplay. Potter plays well, at times very well indeed. But while the steps that have brought the saxophonist to this point are well traced, one is left wondering what Potter has to contribute in the way of a bridge to the future.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Chris Potter
CD Title: Gratitude
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Verve
Musicians: Chris Potter (saxes, flutes, bass clarinet), Kevin Hays (keyboards), Scott Colley (bass), Brian Blade (drums)
Label Website: http://vervemusicgroup.com
Rating: Five Stars