Chris Potter Underground Dakota Jazz Club

[jasondavisjazz]

I like him.

[saxmoi]

very nice playing, love it !

[saxmoi]

so good, love his playin' !

[saxobone13]

I think chris potter plays so many notes because he probably conceives rhythm as more than just down beats. I don't know about the rest of you, but the more I listen to chris potter the more melody I hear in his solos. Call me crazy but listen to the accents

[bejerama]

@saxobone13 I don't know anyone who conceives rhythm as just downbeats... but ok.

[DayTripper1231]

my personal opinion? Chris Potter is the greatest tenor player of today's age

[minicannonball13]

@DayTripper1231 Joshua Redman? They're pretty much equal in ability but I prefer Redman to him.

[jjaabblleess]

@DayTripper1231 F***ing true that man. I couldnt agree more.

[Soamsey]

I recently saw Dave Holland and then Underground (mainly for others in the bands such as Nate Smith and Adam Rogers) but was blown away by Potter who I somehow never knew was at this level. I am a fan of Steve Grossman, Ivo Perelman, Harry Sokal and a handful of others but thought Potter was stellar and at least the equal of anyone I've personally seen. Ridiculous articulation.

[ThomasSchoefer]

Jazz from space :-) wow!!!

[BongoFury33]

Great stuff! I recently caught this band without CT which was a bit sad as I saw him many years ago with I forget who, but was very impressed. All players quite awesome and CPs sols are super.

I'm perpetually amused by people fightin 4 Kenny G. The guys is a entertainer... lets leave it at that. :D

[Rooben786]

Ezt a zenét én szeretem

[DJP16]

@TehWinnerz ..... Snake Davis. Just checked him. You're not one of those people who thinks Kenny G is jazz, are you.....?

[soursourapples]

the solo that never ends lol

[egyptianminor]

All the cats mentioned in the comments below are all probably technically great (I've never listened to some that were mentioned), so it's all a matter of personal style/taste. And don't forget Mark Turner, Gary Thomas, Steve Coleman, George Garzone,Steve Grossman, and many more.That being said, the one sorry guy who said Potter's 'just playing random notes' is totally clueless about music in general-and Jazz in particular.

[TehWinnerz]

@egyptianminor haha, am I really?

[egyptianminor]

@TehWinnerz Sorry if I offended you and fair enough, your man Snake may be great, you may think Potter gets too much praise -while other great players don't, after all taste is subjective, but trust me: there's absolutely nothing 'random' about his playing, he's got total awareness of whatever he plays, it all makes perfect musical sense and he plays w/ both Herbie Hancock and Dave Holland-'randomness' has got no place in their music. But if U prefer other cats, I won't argue with that.Peace.

[TehWinnerz]

@egyptianminor sigh. I was trolling. Isn't it obvious? heh. Peace.

[egyptianminor]

@TehWinnerz Actually, it wasn't obvious to me , you got me; but you must know there are people who think Kenny G, and even John Tesh or Yanni are great Jazz players , and who probably rate as 'nonesense' any playing that is more intricate/ dissonant/syncopated/less obvious. (stuff that may take more time to digest). And taste is ultimately subjective, so there's gotta be people who think Snake is the Man. Peace.

[TehWinnerz]

@egyptianminor no worries mate. Yes, sadly those people do actually exist...and they need to be stopped!

[eet73]

@TehWinnerz I'd like to see you try and stop me asshole!!

[TehWinnerz]

@eet73 obvious troll is obvious

[eet73]

@TehWinnerz Well, if I'm getting your usage of the word "troll" correct, it means to sing in a full voice, which I am very happy to do when talking about how great I think Kenny's playing is.

[eet73]

@egyptianminor I don't know about John Tesh or Yanni but "Snake" as you call him, IS the man. You wish you played that well. Just go to one of his videos on YouTube and take a good hard look at all the fans he's got. Bet you can't say that....

[edmondssax]

love chris potter!!!!!!!!!!

[dvmtb13]

There are some really funny comments on this video...

[freeeeeeedy]

TehWinnerz - I called you a moron because you made a moronic comment. You moron.

[kaseyWtrumpet]

Hmm...Joshua Redman and Chris Potter should throw in a few gigs and an album featuring both of them. If you do a blind fold test to see which player is which I probably wouldn't be able to split the two apart.

[freeeeeeedy]

Please tell me you're a comic genius. Otherwise you're a moron.

[TehWinnerz]

@freeeeeeedy don't call me a moron. Theres no need. Just search for Snake Davis and hear some real soulful music and playing

[saxmoi]

so nice, i love your ideas ..

[TehWinnerz]

listen to a real saxophone player like Snake Davis. Search for him. This guy just plays random notes and you all fall for it.

[b010800]

listen to train by chris potter and then tell me he just plays random notes, maybe your just ignorant and closed minded

[kaseyWtrumpet]

@TehWinnerz Keep believing that champ.

[evergreach2346]

@TehWinnerz You're probably one of the dumbest people on the planet. If you don't like Chris Potter, that's one thing, but to say he's playing random notes is so ignorant it makes me want to cry. There's nothing random about what he plays, bud.

[TehWinnerz]

@evergreach2346 listen to Snake Davis for some real soulful saxophone playing. Don't be fooled by these jazz fakers.

[soursourapples]

@TehWinnerz

[TheKjtheDj]

@TehWinnerz My God I cracked up when I read this. Excellent trolling bro. 11/10 on the trollameter

[Pur11zz]

What about Craig Taborn's solo. That is also amazing!!

[MagnusLindblOOm]

Amazing solo, Potter is great=)

[dvmtb13]

It's "Facing East" off of his new album "Ultrahang."  And Binney better than Potter?? Not quite sure how anyone familiar with both could make that argument. Technically there is no debate to be had, if you want to talk musicality that's entirely subjective. Go Chris!!

[saxev2005]

I agree. Except for maybe Brecker (RIP), I don't if any sax player I've heard has so much technical command over their instrument (and yes that includes the all-time greats as well). Coltrane had possibly the greatest technique ever, but some aspects of his technique are harder to understand. He was more of a pioneer on the tenor (and soprano) and easily the greatest.

[MaggotBrain10]

Branford has total command. Especially since he's been doing classical engagements, working through that literature.

[mitjazz]

spontaneous !

[jazzpman]

wo0o0 i've never seen adam rogers get so funky

[jabbipp56]

Word to Saxotomitry. It's like saying Van Gogh was a much better painter than da Vinci or Hemingway blows away Steinbeck. And anyone who says "forget Michael" is clearly clueless. Who do you think Potter listened to?

[jazzman3746]

probly a lot of brecker. and im guessing a lot of classical piano. don't quote me on this. i attended a master class of his at skidmore college in saratoga NY and he was talking about how, when he improves, he thinks alot about piano keys.

[danksam11]

In addition to Brecker i heard he listened to a lot of Trane as well. If those two were put together i wouldn't be surprised to get something like Potter

[kevinm4435]

he most likely listened to every sax player ever, really. i'm sure you could ask him about just about any date led by a sax player and he would know about it.

[Saxotomitry]

Pretty sure it's "Arjuna" off of "Follow the Red Line."

[kylegubbs]

whats the name of the tune theyre playing when adam rogers is soloing? i was there and I think they opened with it, but I cant remember what it was called.

[Saxotomitry]

Comparing players of this skill level isn't possible. It comes down to personal preference, they are all extremely talented in different ways.

I've seen both David Binney and Chris Potter live and they both give a really amazing show, each in a different way. Donny McCaslin is also really fantastic, and I really want to see him sometime.

Really you guys shouldn't be arguing who's better, instead you should be celebrating that we are blessed with such fantastically talented musicians.

[mannymanerson]

no no no no no if you see david binney live with dan weiss and the gang then you will change your mind. i saw him play in my town a while back and it blew my mind. he has chops extremely beyong that of chris potter although potter does have great songs. still david binney is the more talented player. oh and also dont forget about donny mccasslin btw.

[BRTshredfish]

this guy just throws his fingers around like a heavy metal guitar player no soul!

[jobjobjobjobjob]

clearly your in music for the wrong reasons

[djpublius]

you were supposed to say "wooooow, he's awesome, i want to be a jazz performance major and play like that".

[Pur11zz]

Craig Taborn rocks!

[houseofcoffe]

GrOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOve.

[elimenohpee182]

Chris Potter WILL be the Michael Brecker of our generation. He is the man.

[edgarallenhoe]

Don't forget about Dave Binney...

[jputterman26]

Chris Potter is the Charlie Parker of our generation.  Forget Michael, and don't even mention Binney.

[shankpeterman]

potter wouldn't do what he did without brecker and david binney's comp skills are unbelievable. In no way do I disagree that he's extremely significant right now but you can't diss those other guys.

[aliothblake]

he's awesome no doubts but still not better than coltrane

[rongstmj]

Does anyone know where this is?

[bozoieee]

At the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis

[rongstmj]

Ha! I knew I was there for this. I'm glad someone recorded this. Taborn was absolutely on fire that night.

[Jug12345]

Go back and check out his initial alto work w. Red Rodney and Ryan Kisor

[BigSax1984]

I've heard of Mr. Potter before, but this is the first time I've heard him in action. I have to say that I enjoy him and will be looking up more of his material. The rest of this band is pretty interesting too.

[goodolslanteyes]

Incredible time, over the bar and within it, great technique and control, space and development with his solos and amazing transitions. Anyone who says Potter is a rip off of other players really are lacking the ear to hear how different he plays. There's a reason why people herald him as the next school of saxophone thought and why everyone new and old wants to play with him (Herbie in Vienne this past year?). Sounds to me some people need to keep up on their jazz.

[ratiocinativeness]

and I believe he plays an old modified otto link mouthpiece

[goodolslanteyes]

I heard he switched to a Theo Wannes about a year ago, but I also so a vid of him this year playing on his old Double Ring Otto that he had opened up to about an 8* or 9.

[ratiocinativeness]

actually Michael brecker gave him that silver plated mark 6-- I heard Chris say it firsthand at a master class in virginia a year ago.

[chekanc]

the independant guards on the bell indicates its either a balanced action or super action

[dvmtb13]

Chris Potter showing off?? When you are a child prodigy and can play like Bird at age 12 you are bound to hear ideas that are fast and complex by age 40.

[Saxyman14]

He hasn't reached age 40 yet. That's the crazy part.

[DVoggue]

Wat kind of sax is that?

[jiggymonkey88]

a Tenor Sax

[DVoggue]

lol, thats pretty obvious, i was wonder what kind of tenor

[ihasmario]

I dont understand the whole arguing thing about this guy. The beauty of jazz is that you can express your own personal voice. If you dont like his voice, good for you... theres no point in whinging about it, just state your opinion if you wish and move the fuck on. I personally prefer other saxophonists to potter (maceo, cannonball, brecker, coltrane), but I have to give him kudos for being a great musician.

[plastikdonutspam]

I was there 2 at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago. It was sweet!

[Dbassman3122]

ME2!!!

[davidskey]

Chris Potter is THE outstanding jazz saxophonist of his generation. His technique is unrivaled. His control of the instrument is super-human. His time, phrasing and understanding of harmonics flow through everything he plays. And most importantly, his voice is utterly distinctive and original, which is a true rarity in today's jazz world.

[eet73]

I don't agree. I don't think there are any truly original voices in jazz today as there were 40 and 50 years ago. This is why jazz is suffering the way it is. If you want to hear something truly original give Ornette Coleman a listen. Fortunately, he's still alive.

[TehWinnerz]

@eet73 are you kidding? Have you cheked out Jason Moran? Rudresh Mahanthappa? Steve Lehman? Vijay Iyer? Dan Weiss? there are so many I can't be bothered to list any more. Things only seemed original 40-50 years ago because there was still so much ground left uncovered. Listen to Steve Lehman's Octet album and tell me that thats not truly original

[eet73]

@TehWinnerz no I'm not kidding. Kenny G is way better than this guy who just sounds as if he's playing a billion random notes for people to get off to and think they're being so hip and intelligent. Most jazz these days is a bunch of hubris if you ask me. As least musicians like kenny G and David Sanborn play with some kind of feeling.

[egyptianminor]

@eet73 Kenny G plays out of tune and had the distasteful nerve to overdub himself over Louis Armstrong's tracks an release it, simulating an 'imaginary duet' that won't happen in 3 trillion years.Also,he is extremely opportunistic to release a Xmas album, but C'mon, man, you're 'trolling' right?

[eet73]

@egyptianminor I have no idea what "trolling" even means but people that criticize Kenny's playing are just jealous in my opinion. The guy's more famous that any sax player that ever lived. His musical and technical ability are amazing and his pitch never bothered me, or any of the other people that like his music. And what's the matter with realeasing a Christmas album? Huh? What's the matter with him overdubbing himself over Louis? I didn't find that distasteful at all. Quite the contrary...

[egyptianminor]

@eet73 A Christmas album: for money only.I tell you what's the matter w/ releasing his overdubbed schtick over Louis's music: It shows an incredible arrogance on his part, to even think that If Louis were alive, he would ever consider jamming with Kenny G, let alone record with him.Kenny either ignored the issue or thinks he's so great, that it doesn't matter. Since Louis is long gone and can't say no,he's OK w/ musical necrophilia;That's distasteful. His fame is 'cause he plays elevator music.

[eet73]

@egyptianminor Again, you sound like you're just jealous that you can't make money at music and be famous like Kenny can. I like his Christmas album, as do many people. And I also believe it's arrogant of you to assume what Louis would think about jamming with him. They're both products of different eras.

[egyptianminor]

@eet73 Sounds like 'making money playing music' means to become rich to you.Having said that,players I know and love do it -play music for a living- for the love of it, regardless if they'll be famous/rich,just to make a living and keep playing. I know so 'cause I've worked as a musician for over 15 years.It's Kenny G who's arrogant, not me:He overdubbed himself,and released it, obviously assuming 'Louis wouldn't mind';that's arrogance.If he had any doubts, he wouldn't have done it. Peace/out

[eet73]

@egyptianminor And it's also arrogant of you to question Kenny's musical motives. How do you know he's doesn't love what he does? Did you ask him??? I'm also a professional musician who does it for the love of it and take no issue with Kenny's playing or what he chooses to play, regardless of how much money he makes. Just because he's not always trying to appeal to afficianados doesn't make him a bad musician. He's incredibly blessed and gifted.

[jjaabblleess]

@eet73 you're high

[a6ickes]

yeah man i saw them at the jazz showcase too... friday and saturday night. incredible.

[danksam11]

saw these guys at the chicago jazz show case. this group is NASTY!

[Pur11zz]

I am visiting the USA next week on business, Do you think I can find a club in Greenville NC that plays this kind of music?

[StrikerME02]

Whats with all the negative comments toward Potter. He's a great musician. And to let let u know jputterman26 saxophonists play fast. Thats what the saxophone is meant for???

[Solis1112]

the sax wasnt made to just play fast passages. it is meant to play beautiful music. fast notes...in health dosages... is just one way to put out that beautiful music.

[StrikerME02]

FYI, I was responding to someone else. Of course, the saxophone can be used to play beautiful lyrical music too, since it was orignally designed for orchestra. But in this instance Chris Potter is showing off the great technique required to play the sax with his fast passages.

[eet73]

It always seemed to me that this Potter guy only has about one or two modes that he's able to operate in. Lots of notes and even more notes. But it seems that that's what gets you noticed these days.

[jjandjunior]

not all the time, but mostly, striker...

in potters case, his creativity is in the fast notes

not just for no reason, jputterman.

[mikerobinson13]

what song is this?

[fredsda]

It's underground , btw , what does it mean to say that a song is "sick" ?

[ScanlonJazz]

Underground is the name of the band that Chris Potter leads, and "sick" means that something is really good.

[chekanc]

its a new one of chris' called "Far East"

[Pur11zz]

How does Taborn manage to play the bass line and solo at the same time on the Rhodes? Is he the Ray Manzarek of this modern age?

Funky Man!!!

[Saxyman14]

I saw Underground again last night (and going again tonight). they played a brand new Adam Rogers composition (New enough for them to be reading it). But it was one of the sickest songs I've ever heard. I think that's mostly what Adam contributes. He's a great guitarist though, I like his style, and it's getting you guys nowhere sitting saying otherwise. It's not doing anything for anyone, so maybe just listen to the music and take your hands off the keyboard.

[brothaman34]

Niice

[johnnyherb]

I know the tune you mean. When I heard them with Rogers that tune ripped my head off. Potter was sweating with that head!!

[inuyashaobsessed93]

Lol, the guitar sounds pretty awesome. But I know nothing about guitar yet... I play the Tenor Saxophone. I'd love to learn more about the guitar and piano though. Chris Potter really is inspiring.

[brothaman34]

Man Adam is kinda bringing the funk here

[jputterman26]

It's not Adam bringing the funk, it's Taborn and Nate.

[brothaman34]

nah, he's contributing. He's not the funkiest guy in the world, but he's adding to it.

[jputterman26]

He's the least funkiest guy in the world. Which is what sucks about him being in this particular band. Which I will nonetheless see several times next week at the preeminent jazz club on earth The Village Vanguard.

[brothaman34]

so you're helping pay him for the gig

[jputterman26]

He gets paid whether I'm there or not. And, again, I have known Chris for a long time. I respect his choices, I just don't hear anything exciting.

[brothaman34]

Yea, I understand. I'm a guitar player, and I'm not blown away, but he does lock up nice with the rhythm section at 7:45.

[jputterman26]

That is partly because he is backed by an exceptional rhythm section!!

For those of you who have seen Adam in this band, here is what I see: when it's his turn to solo, he is always spending time playing around with the knobs on his amp. Play 6 notes, turn around and turn the knobs, etc. etc. etc.

That impedes any rhythmic flow, which this phenomenal rhythm section takes in stride. They deserve kudos, not Mr. howmanynotescanIplayfastsopeop­lewillthinkitsmusical.

[rogersat]

saw this gig. what a trip.

[gflood]

reminds me of that early electric miles, wayne, herbie, chick stuff.... nice groove....

[wsdjvgb]

jputterman must be a complete fucking pinhead. you dig?

[pumpixo]

Smoking. Thanks for posting !

[wdflannery]

Seems like the first post bop thing I've really dug. Wish I'd been there. Great stuff.

[thedigi1128]

chris can play whatever he wants.

[brothaman34]

killin

[dvmtb13]

This debate is absurd. They are both talented, Rogers is way more legato than Krantz who riddles the music with choppy attacks (think of "Train" with Krantz). But at the end of the day realize that Potter chose to tour with Rogers for 3 years. So if Chris Potter like him, maybe you should listen closer.

[SindriMar]

I agree dvmtb13. nuff said.

[jputterman26]

Maybe he had no choice.  Wayne was taken, and too expensive?

[lorenzini]

Maybe not. Maybe Adam Rogers is probably one of the most in demand guitarists in the world.

IMO Rogers is a far superior player.

If you're going to compare guitarists, you should compare Oz Noy with Wayne Krantz.

Haha, have at it.

[jputterman26]

Oz Noy is a Wayne Krantz wannabe. Period.

I wouldn't listen to Adam Rogers if he paid me to. Unless I was having trouble falling asleep.

[juanmat68]

There´s no point they are both fantastic guitar players and they play with fucking chris potter...there´s no need for validation there...I kind of trust chris potter to pick the right guy, since he´s one of the best musicians in history.

[SindriMar]

Hi again. I'm not trying to prove anything. I just felt that jputterman26 was trying to put down the playing of Adam Rogers (who is a phenomenal guitar player IMO), because he doesn't "understand music the way Krantz understands it." I think that is a pretty unfair and inaccurate statement. But, really, I don't care. If he doesn't like Rogers, then fine by me!

[Jazzguitar00]

I'm just curious...what are you guys going to prove arguing about Rogers' playing? You are going to convince Potter to get a new guitarist?

Nice video, although the Potter solo is way longer then everyone else's.

[SindriMar]

I don't think he stops the motion, I just think he doesn't want his playing to say directly "ok, NOW we are moving forward". What do you think about Rogers' solo stuff?

[SindriMar]

To be perfectly honesty, I really do agree with your point. Krantz certainly added flow to the music and I think perhaps that he was more suitable than Adam for certain musical situations that were a part of the original Underground. But I also think that Adam adds some new colors to the band. Some of the sounds and devices he uses in his playing are very unique and I think it makes the band sound very organic.

[SindriMar]

I think Wayne is excellent at making other musician's solos sound better, but I think Rogers does that very well too, but in a different fashion..PS: I'm not trying to be rude, I just thought it was an interesting discussion! :)

[jputterman26]

Let me try this way. I have seen Underground live many times. When Wayne was playing, he added to the flow of the music, and he and Chris got each other excited. The music was transcendent. When Adam plays, he has the ability to literally stop the forward motion of the music, or at least to impede it. Maybe this is just Wayne being a rocker and understanding the need to keep the pace moving forward. Adam bores the shit out of me.

[jputterman26]

Chris and I have discussed this issue. He doesn't agree or disagree, but he hears what I'm responding to.

[hardforyounow]

Potter is brilliant. His tone is full (rare these days) and his time is solid.

[brunsmike59]

Wayne Krantz is great, but so is Adam Rogers. I was at these shows and he was great as a member of the band. Great rhythm parts and killer solos. Craig Taborn is one of the undersung gods of music these days. Nate Smith...holy polyrhythmic stew and Chris is fantastic. One of my fav bands.

[SaxMonkey]

Looking East is what he called it when i saw them.

[fredsepp]

what's this tune called?

[jputterman26]

Wayne Krantz was so much better for this group than poor white Adam. Just my ears hearing that.

[SindriMar]

Isn't Krantz white as well? :) Personally, I enjoy hearing the contrast between the two guitar players and the way they interact differently in the band. I think they are both great guitar players in their own respective way.

[jputterman26]

Wayne is white too, but Wyne understands that not all notes have to be played on the beat, and he knows how to make other musician's solos sound better. Adam lacks that kind of understanding of what music is about.

I heard this band with Wayne several times, and I mean they blew the roof off the 55 bar. People screaming. Women fainting. Hot stuff.

[SindriMar]

When you say 'beat', do you mean 'on-beat' as opposed to offbeat? In that case, I think you are pretty wrong. Both Rogers and Krantz place their notes on different places in the pulse and change and displace the accents in the phrases a lot. If you mean 'beat' as in 'in time', I really don't understand what you are talking about..

[jputterman26]

Does Adam Rogers know what the word rhythm means?

[SindriMar]

Rogers' outside-Hendrix playing is great on this!

[grandciel]

Ooh! That's great... Chris is one of the great sax players nowadays..

[TrumboMumbo]

Four on the floor FUNK!

[brothaman34]

wow

[LeRoyGuy]

You've uploaded a wonderful collection of videos. Thanks so much for these.

[rasjvon]

weak ...whomever cut taborn's solo short

[rasjvon]

if i had to follow taborn's solo i would glide out of the freakin' building

[SaxMonkey]

Man his fingers just glide all over that horn.

[tonyfreejazz20]

Thanks for posting this donberryman. Chris is one of the great sax players. I first heard him playing on David Binney's album. Great stuff.

[RSop63]

Burning solos, tight rhythm, thanks for sharing. Wish I was there to hear it live.