Chris Potter

Alive With Ghosts Today, Chris Potter

Chris Potter is a saxophonist and composer whose work moves fluidly between modern jazz improvisation and extended ensemble writing. Emerging in the 1990s, he has developed a distinctive voice on both tenor and soprano saxophone, known for a clear tone, rhythmic flexibility, and a compositional approach that often integrates structured forms with open improvisation. Potter’s projects range from small-group settings to concept-driven suites and solo recordings, frequently exploring the interaction between jazz language and broader musical traditions.

Alongside his work as a bandleader, Potter has appeared in a wide range of collaborative contexts, contributing to ensembles that emphasize collective interplay and evolving repertoire. His music often reflects an interest in narrative structure, ensemble color, and the ongoing dialogue between jazz history and contemporary expression.

EDN1293

 

Featured Release

On Alive With Ghosts Today, Chris Potter brings together a chamber-like ensemble of saxophone, guitar, violin, clarinet, trombone, bass, and drums for a recording shaped by history, ensemble sound, and long-form composition. Across eight pieces tracing the story of John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry, the album unfolds through shifting textures, measured pacing, and integrated improvisation, allowing blues, folk, hymn-like writing, and collective interplay to shape the recording’s arc.
From the album… the recording’s balance between ensemble color and today’s modern jazz perspective becomes especially clear on “Mine Eyes.” Potter expands the group into a broad, resonant texture, with winds and violin layered over the steady motion of guitar, bass, and drums. The music settles into a modern jazz atmosphere, illustrating the album’s broader approach to interaction, orchestration, and ensemble development.

Listen to the album

Recommended listening: begin with “Osawatomie Brown” and “Mine Eyes,” then let the album unfold.


Album Details

Artist: Chris Potter
Album: Alive With Ghosts Today
Label: Edition Records

Personnel
Chris Potter – tenor and soprano saxophones
Bill Frisell – guitar
Burniss Travis – bass
Nate Smith – drums
Rane Moore – clarinet
Zekkereya El-magharbel – trombone
Sara Caswell – violin

Recording Details
Produced by Chris Potter
Executive Producers: Dave Stapleton and Louise Holland
Recorded at Sear Sound, NYC, March 24–26, 2025
Recorded and mixed by Chris Allen
Assistant Engineer: Maximilian Troppe
Mastered by Nate Wood

Track Listing

  1. Alive With Ghosts Today 1 – Chris Potter
  2. Osawatomie Brown – Chris Potter
  3. The Heavens In Scarlet – Chris Potter
  4. Sister Annie – Chris Potter
  5. This Earth Would Have No Charms For Me – Chris Potter
  6. Into Africa – Chris Potter
  7. Mine Eyes – Chris Potter
  8. Alive With Ghosts Today 2 – Chris Potter
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