CHRIS POTTER IN CONCERT:
Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Chris Potter first rose the jazz ranks in his early teens, and he continues to be one of the genre's most respected players today. A true musician's musician, Potter combines both technical virtuosity and passionate phrasing, treating fans to performances that are at once impressive and emotional. Seeing him in concert is the next best thing to taking a jazz master class -- from his epic solo on "All the Things You Are" to the frenetic bop of "Anthropology", Potter always surprises and amazes with his rhythmic fluidity and endlessly creative improvising on tour.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Chicago-born Chris Potter took up the saxophone while living in Columbia, South Carolina, after hearing the legendary Paul Desmond perform. He was quickly recognized as a prodigy, and by age 13 he was playing professional jazz gigs. After high school he relocated to New York City, where he studied at several prestigious music institutions and made a name for himself performing with bebop icon Red Rodney. After playing in numerous bands, he made his solo debut in 1994 with the album Presenting Chris Potter, which featured respected players like Kevin Hays and Christian McBride. Potter's 1998 album Vertigo was a benchmark success, receiving praise from both Jazziz magazine and The New York Times as one of the year's best jazz albums. His status as one of the preeminent contemporary tenor saxophonists was further solidified in 1999, when his contributions to Joanne Brackeen's album Pink Elephant Magic earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. A veteran performer who has released 15 albums and played as a sideman on over 150 more, Potter continues to dazzle with his dynamic performances on tour.
