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Chris Potter: Traveling Mercies
ByThe 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.
Track Listing
Megalopolis; Snake Oil; Invisible Man; Washed Ashore; Children Go; Any Moment Now; Migrations; Azalea; Highway One; Just as I Am.
Personnel
Chris Potter
saxophoneChris 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
Album information
Title: Traveling Mercies | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Verve Music Group
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