Customer Reviews

Gratitude

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Over the past 8 years, Chris Potter has been tremendously overlooked by the jazz media and hype circuit, yet worshiped in secret by saxophonists around the country, causing many to pull their hair out and curse the day they first picked up the horn. Major kudos to Jason Olaine for bringing him to a record label that can hopefully find him a mainstream audience.

While Potter's albums have always featured interesting and memorable tunes, Gratitude stands out as being thoughtfully written, programmed, and produced. Somehow, Potter has figured out a way to communicate with those caught up in jazz's current fad of odd-metered, groove-driven, atmospheric, fender rhodes-drenched songs (a la Redman, Douglas, Scofield, and Rosenwinkle)without sacrificing the rythmic flow and melodic simplicity that are his compositional trademarks. He has also successfully made his almost intimidating improvisational prowess (ever catch him live?) more accessible (mainly due to the context of the tunes) to those in the jazz community not already familiar with his playing (hey, my dad liked it!) without sacrificing imagination, intensity, or swing.

My recommendation: check it out! There's not as much hardcore blowing here as on some of his other records, but you just might catch yourself humming the bassline to HIGH NOON all day. I know I did.

Sorry to spoil the flow of superlatives amongst these reviews but this one just didn't quite hit all of my buttons. I have heard some of the units in which Chris Potter has performed,including Dave Holland's Quintet, and have appreciated the music greatly. As a leader however I find that he has chosen material which, though good, isn't quite at the level to earn a fifth star.

Initially I did not enjoy this release at all but having forced myself to listen to it a number of times I now appreciate that there is a great deal of quality music on offer here. The arrangements and performances from some excellent support musicians are nothing less than excellent throughout and the sound quality is good also.

I would still recommend this release but with a slight reservation over some of the material.

The only qualms i have with this album are with his supporting cast. And its not with their ability, but it seems at certain points that (especially the piano) are being too timid. He seems like he has tremendous ability, and shows his great ideas every so often during his solo, but never expands on them. The bass also struck me as a little timid.

Nothing wrong with the drums, Brian Blade plays his heart out on this one.

And as far as Chris Potter goes, what can I really say? His technicality is out of this world, and it seems there isnt anything he cant play that he would want to play. All his ideas flow straight from him exactly as he hears it. His phrases are extremely well constructed and preformed.

The music choice is outstanding. He doesnt try to "thank" the legends by playing how they did, but instead by trying to progress in the ways that they themselves progressed. On Star Eyes for instance, he takes a classic tune in to the realm of today and shows his prowess in it.

An overall MUST buy for ANY fan of jazz

It is not often these days to develope an individual voice in jazz. With lables dictating who is to recorded and distributed and telling the public what is good and not, Chris Potter is a rarity. This CD is one of the best CDs to come from a saxophonist in a while. Although it is a tribute CDs to the great sax players from the past, the tunes are original (like the players they pay homage to) and fresh. The blowing is first rate by the whole group and the production is beautiful. It is a must for everyone, not just jazz fans.

In the tradition of great jazz saxophonists, Chris Potter has once again bestowed a great gift upon jazz fans everywhere! Following his amazing collaborations with Dave Douglas and Dave Holland, the listener can hear Potter's progression from his early days through all of the different styles he has assimilated, and "Gratitude" is the end result. The freedom of his recent projects with Douglas and Holland is quite evident in his improvisation as is his experimentation with odd time signatures, but he still manages to produce a recording all his own by exhibiting trademark compositions and harmonic shifts. By far his best recording to date and one of the best recordings on the market, this is one disc you don't want to pass up!

I think Chris Potter is one of the most underrated saxophonists on the music scene today; he has played with so many great artists (steely dan) yet other saxophonists continue to be more recognised than him (branford marsalis) whom are in some ways not as skilled or musically diverse as Chris. There is not a bad track on this album; highlights for me are definitely Shadow, The Minds Eye and Sun King as they are the most progressive tracks. However everything is strong, perhaps the two solo tracks could have been lopped from the album however I see them as more of a bonus than as essential tracks. A modern classic.

Chris Potter has really come into his own as a saxophone player. In my opinion he should be ranked right up there with those considered the cream of the crop. This cd is easily one of the best releases of 2001. All the tracks are strong and Potter plays with style and conviction. The band he has assembled plays wonderfully and are tight throughout. Highlights include "The Source", "High Noon" and "Eurydice".

You will not be disappointed by this disk!

This album is simply awesome. It stayed in my CD player for weeks after I got it. The compositions are very original and stunningly crafted. The playing is pristine, and I don't think I've heard Potter sound better.

Each track is dedicated to great saxophonists of the past, and each is a fitting tribute. The first four tracks alone are worth the price of the whole album. The whole band steps into the groove, and lays down some ballsy, incredible music.

If you could only get one CD this year, I'd probably have to recommend this one.

It was a great gift and my fiance loves it so much. The seller was great. It got to me way faster than anything I've bought at Amazon.

If you love driving emotional saxophone reminisent of the 60's Quartets; this is a must own. The depth of the performers talent is clearly expressed on this wonderful effort. Brian Blade's ability to interpret, meld and create moods with his percussive prowess is outstanding. A must have!