Customer Reviews

Song for Anyone

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

 

 

It will take a while to continue to digest all the pleasures and challenges of SONG FOR ANYONE, but someone needs to say here how worthwhile it is to initiate that process. I knew the first time I played this years-in-the-conception project through that it offered one of those musical vistas that would open up a little more with each encounter. What more can we ask of the best music by our best reed player?

Many times for me, "jazz with strings" means it's one I should pass on. This CD is completely different. It isn't "jazz with strings" but simply a ten-person jazz group. Chris Potter's writing is excellent. The songs are varied, and range from written-out to free. The playing is superb. Chris Potter is, of course, fantastic - he's a first-rate sax sideman, and he doesn't let up on his own CD's. The reason this CD is very good is that Mark Feldman on violin and Erica von Kleist on flute make key contributions. The other players aren't sitting back, either. I disagree with the Amazon review that says it's soft surfaces and rounded edges - it isn't all smooth listening. This CD is a big step up musically for Potter - we always knew he could blow his horn, this is real good stuff.

Saxophonist Chris Potter never fails to surprise or please with each of his new releases and he's done it again with this one. This time he's gone symphonic (or is it orchestral?) and with the help of 9 other wind, string and percussion instrumentalists - Erica Von Kleist on flute, Greg Tardy on clarinet, Michael Rabinowitz on bassoon, Mark Feldman on violin, Lois Martin on viola, David Eggar on cello, Steve Cardenas on guitar, Scott Colley on bass and Adam Cruz on drums & percussion, the "Chris Potter 10" serve up a lovely mix of multi-layered textures over which Potter rides with his rich tenor and soprano saxophones. I love orchestral music, such as done by people like Vince Mendoza and this one, with some of the songs having more than one movement, is right up my street.

I love all the Potter CDs I've bought so far but this is already my all-round favourite. All compositions and arrangements are by Potter himself and the project is produced by the legendary Dave Holland.

A thing of wonder from start to finish. Not to be missed.

This album gets better and better each listen - completely opposite of Follow the Red Line, but equally captivating in it's own way - Every album by Chris Potter is better and better...I can't wait for the next release.

I'm a hugh Potter fan. But a lot of the ensemble playing (not him) is plagued with pitch problems. makes it hard to listen to. Simple.

Great sound. True jazz pieces are a delight to listen to. A wise purchase.