Chris Potter – Eagle’s Level
(Version Data EDN1227. Album Overview by Patrick Hadfield)

Now and again a report comes alongside that exhibits such talent and management that you just simply wish to sit again and luxuriate within the music, comfortable to go alongside wherever the musicians want to take you. Such is Chris Potter‘s newest report,  Eagle’s Level.

That’s not simply all the way down to the character of Potter’s writing and his personal expertise on the saxophone. He’s additionally introduced collectively a quartet of the very best of the very best, gamers who’ve been excelling in music-making for many years. Becoming a member of Potter are pianist Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade on drums and John Patitucci on bass. For a few years Blade and Patitucci comprised half of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, if any extra advice have been wanted, while Mehldau has lengthy been one of many go-to pianists. While their musicianship is beneath little doubt, all 4 deliver a lot extra than simply talent to the report. There’s ardour and emotion on this music too.

Indigo Ildikó options Potter on bass clarinet. Patitucci takes a beautiful bass solo, while Blade exemplifies sympathetic drumming – a basic illustration of “much less is extra”. Potter switches to saxophone for the extra emphatic second half of the tune. Aria for Anna additionally highlights Potter’s romantic facet, this time on soprano. Additionally it is a function for Mehldau, whose understated piano balances the saxophone with finesse. The interaction between Potter and Mehldau makes the tune all of the extra stunning.

The extra vigorous tunes reminiscent of Different Plans  and Cloud Message have such an assuredness that one actually feels within the fingers of masters. Cloud Message is resolutely optimistic – music to smile by.

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Most of the tracks have an appealingly straightforward really feel, the musicians bringing an obvious simplicity and lightness of contact that feels irresistible. Much more moody tunes reminiscent of Málaga Moon draw one in, compelling us to comply with Potter’s imaginative and prescient.

Patrick Hadfield lives in Edinburgh, often takes pictures, and typically blogs at On the Beat. He’s @patrickhadfield@mastodon.scot on Mastodon

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