Chris Potter: Generations

This week on Fridays Live, SFJAZZ presents legendary saxophonist Chris Potter who will be unveiling his new work Generations. Scored for chamber orchestra and a small jazz ensemble, the band once again features some of New York’s finest: Craig Taborn on keys, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Brian Blade. Potter describes the new evening-length work as “a meditation on human connections over time, and the idea of continuity and change from generation to generation.”

Easily the most compelling saxophonist of his generation.
Detroit Free Press

ABOUT CHRIS POTTER
Chris Potter is a tour de force, among the most influential saxophonists of the past 30 years. He has played with everybody, from bebopper Red Rodney to Steely Dan. At SFJAZZ, Potter is like family. He is music director of the SFJAZZ Collective and now returns to the SFJAZZ Center for his second season as a Resident Artistic Director. Last season, he premiered his song cycle (titled Sing to Me) for a 19-piece big band that included some of the most creative improvisers in jazz. This season, Potter unveils another ambitious work: Generations, a world premiere project scored for chamber orchestra and a small jazz ensemble. Once again, the band features some of New York’s finest: Taborn, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Brian Blade.

Potter describes the new evening-length work as “a meditation on human connections over time, and the idea of continuity and change from generation to generation.” Over the years, Potter has distinguished himself as a composer for large ensembles. He creates beautifully detailed panels of sound that seem to float past the listener, evocatively, almost cinematically, while rhythm sections roil and Potter unleashes his titanic saxophone solos. Be prepared for more of that power and beauty when Chris Potter unveils Generations.