Every so often a record comes along that shows such skill and control that you just want to sit back and luxuriate in the music, happy to go along wherever the musicians wish to take you. Such is Chris Potter‘s latest record, Eagle’s Point.
That’s not just down to the nature of Potter’s writing and his own skills on the saxophone. He’s also brought together a quartet of the best of the best, players who have been excelling in music-making for decades. Joining Potter are pianist Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade on drums and John Patitucci on bass. For many years Blade and Patitucci comprised half of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, if any more recommendation were needed, whilst Mehldau has long been one of the go-to pianists. Whilst their musicianship is under no doubt, all four bring so much more than just skill to the record. There is passion and emotion in this music too.
Indigo Ildikó features Potter on bass clarinet. Patitucci takes a lovely bass solo, whilst Blade exemplifies sympathetic drumming – a classic illustration of “less is more”. Potter switches to saxophone for the more emphatic second half of the tune. Aria for Anna also highlights Potter’s romantic side, this time on soprano. It is also a feature for Mehldau, whose understated piano balances the saxophone with finesse. The interplay between Potter and Mehldau makes the tune all the more beautiful.
The more lively tunes such as Other Plans and Cloud Message have such an assuredness that one truly feels in the hands of masters. Cloud Message is resolutely optimistic – music to smile by.
Many of the tracks have an appealingly easy feel, the musicians bringing an apparent simplicity and lightness of touch that feels irresistible. Even more moody tunes such as Málaga Moon draw one in, compelling us to follow Potter’s vision.
Patrick Hadfield lives in Edinburgh, occasionally takes photographs, and sometimes blogs at On the Beat. He is @patrickhadfield@mastodon.scot on Mastodon
