Chris Potter influences

[Collin J.]

I've been listening to some Chris Potter lately, and I hear a lot Brecker in his playing. Has anyone else noticed anything similar to this as well?

[BlockAM]

I definitely hear some Trane and Dexter, but Potter's sound is completely his own. I find it unique, and very hard to classify. But that's just me personally.

[bass]

Would you say Potter is also influenced by Joe Henderson and Charles Lloyd? That is the introspective side of his playing.

[dolphy]

Charles Lloyd hasn't had one original idea. To say someone is influenced by Charles Lloyd is a rather left handed compliment.

Charles Lloyd is to jazz as Carrot Top is to comedy.

But as far Potter goes, I hear more Brecker than Henderson.

[johnny]

Charles Lloyd is to jazz as Carrot Top is to comedy.

ROFL :lol:

[Keith Ridenhour]

I really got into Potter's tone when I first heard him. I was always trying to cop Breckers tone (good luck) but add a little more warmth and I think Potter does that. Very lyrical player. And I really like the way he payed tribute to the preceeding greats on (can't remember the name.) one of his CDs. Really nice to hear a distinctive tone and associate the artist with it. Lately I've really been surprised by Eric Marienthals tone. I listen to half a song by him and think that it is a cool distinctive tenor sound and then when they announce who it is I think "My alto never sounded that full and deep" We are lucky to live in a time with so much sax on the airwaves. K

[Vader]

There is a lot of Brecker in Chris Potter. I have a bootleg of Steely Dan, from when they first got back together again, and Chris was absolutley sounding a lot lot Michael.
He is capable of mimicking a lot of people. The boy's well practiced. He has really grown into himself over the past couple of years. His sound is now his own, and although(as any educated listener can) you can pick out his influences, he's well on his way to being his own man(so to speak).
I like that the previous post mentioned Eric Marienthal. Eric does some truly commercial cd's, and I feel like he doesn't always play to his potential, but his sound is absolutely one of the prettiest, and most recognizable of any alto player out there today. He's a great guy as well.
Early Eric(unfortunately out of print), is killing. If you find his first two cd's anywhere, get them(especailly the 2nd one).

[Riff]

I just saw Chris Potter live tonight. Very impressive and definitely Brecker influenced.
If you're interested: He appeared to be playing a silver plated SBA. Couldn't tell what the mouthpiece was but it was silver in color and the ligature looked like a Selmer silver lig.

[AMASAX]

Ran into Chris Potter little over a yr ago in Denton, TX at a NASA conference. At that time he was playing on a silver SBA(probably same one Riff observed), altho when asked, he said 'Balanced Action'. I don't think he knew the diff between the two, but I do, and I'm certain it was an SBA.

Also asked him about his mthpce, he said it was a rubber Otto Link, modern vintage, #10 facing, i believe. He went into a music store in NYC and just tried out several till he found one he liked. Sounds like he may have moved on to sumpin' else, tho, judging from Riff's post...

[BlockAM]

I saw him last night and asked him what kind of mpc he ws using. The mystery silver mpc is a hollywood duckoff. He saidhe just started experimenting with them.

[kindofblue]

Maybe he's been reading BATMAN's praises of the modern Hollywood Dukoff's ??? 8)

[anchorman]

I admit being a ballad fan, however Chris's work on this album is worthy of serious study and pleasure by all. "Not only another pretty bass" By Jim Ferguson is the album where Chris is a sideman. There are 11 beautiful songs, mostly soft, but with a good mix of up tempo. Chris 's solos are fantastic. You cannot hear a repeated riff in any of the works. A fine album that shows a true master of the sax sound. It appears that Chris is mentally composing full time on all of these works. As it should be!!!!!!!! Jim and the rest of the group are also first class without a doubt. A MUST HAVE ALBUM

[SaxJazz12]

Charles Lloyd hasn't had one original idea. To say someone is influenced by Charles Lloyd is a rather left handed compliment.

Charles Lloyd is to jazz as Carrot Top is to comedy.



This comment was made awhile ago, so maybe you've grown up a bit since then...or at least hopefully you've had. If you don't like his playing that's fine...but to make the statement you did shows REMARKABLE ignorance.

Charles Lloyd is a creative, inspiring musician who has made beautiful music.

[Tryptykon]

SaxJazz12-- Dolphy may still be lurking, but hasn't posted in over 2 years,
I checked the profile .. you might be responding to a MIA member, at this point.

Anyway, I also hear a strong Jim Pepper influence in Chris; although it may be
indirect, via other players Chris has heard, or, just pure coincidence.

In any case--

His tone and tonal inflections are very Jim Pepper(RIP), to my ears.

[SaxJazz12]

SaxJazz12-- Dolphy may still be lurking, but hasn't posted in over 2 years,
I checked the profile .. you might be responding to a MIA member, at this point.

Anyway, I also hear a strong Jim Pepper influence in Chris; although it may be
indirect, via other players Chris has heard, or, just pure coincidence.

In any case--

His tone and tonal inflections are very Jim Pepper(RIP), to my ears.

Could you possibly recommend some Jim Pepper recordings to me? I've never heard him before, but sounds like a guy I would really enjoy checking out!

[Minatar12]

Art of the Duo, with Mal Waldron. It's a fantastic album, one of the very best from both players concerned. And let me just take a quick moment to plug Waldron, who needs more recognition...a truly brilliant improviser.

Anyways, carry on...