Chris Potter Quartet: Chris Potter (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, piano); Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar); Scott Colley (bass); Billy Drummond (drums). Additional personnel: Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone). Recorded at Sony Studios, New York, New York on April 9 & 10, 1998. Includes liner notes by Zan Stewart. In the tradition of Coltrane, Rollins, Shorter and McLean, Chris Potter is a clearly identifiable voice on an instrument that is as commonplace in jazz as the piano. This saxophonist's powerful energy is in high gear on VERTIGO, an album of unbridled enthusiasm as well as maturity and assuredness. His choice of sidemen for this project--Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar), Scott Colley (bass) and Billy Drummond (drums)--is evidence enough that Potter's vision as a leader is first rate. He is also joined by woodwind colleague Joe Lovano on three tracks, for a display of modern saxophone artistry. As a composer, Potter is extremely imaginative. His penchant for angular melodies and shifting foundations of rhythm is exhibited in the opening "Shiva" and the mysterious title track. Potter and his men display impeccable prowess and free creativity on such rousing undertakings as "Long Walk, Short Pier" and the bop-ish "This Will Be," both with Lovano. As a change of pace, "Almost Home" lends a peaceful bossa/ballad feel to the set. Finally, after Lovano returns for the very expressive "Modeen's Mood," Potter leaves us with a rare turn on soprano for the delightful "Wake Up."
Disc 1: Shiva Vertigo Long Walk, Short Pier Act III, Scene I Fishy This Will Be Almost Home Modeen's Mood Wake Up