Eagle’s Point (Edition)

Eagle’s Point (Edition)

Chris Potter

Released March 8, 2024

AllMusic Favorite Jazz Albums 2024

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About:

With Eagle’s Point, Chris Potter has assembled four of jazz’s finest artists—Brad Mehldau, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade—for a remarkable collaboration on Edition Records. Potter’s eight original compositions,  written specifically for this unprecedented gathering, bring to life the unique chemistry that only this ensemble could create. Recorded in late 2022, Eagle’s Point serves as a testament to the artistry and vision of each musician, each bringing their singular voice to a collective sound that feels as timeless as it is forward-looking. Mehldau’s eloquent, complex piano lines intertwine with Patitucci’s deft bass patterns, while Blade’s dynamic rhythms propel and support Potter’s expressive saxophone melodies, creating a soundscape rich in emotion and interplay.

Every track captures the essence of their collaborative genius, showcasing a balance of powerful solos, deep groove, and an uncanny sense of unity. Potter’s compositions are crafted to reflect the range and depth of his bandmates, evolving with each listen to reveal new subtleties and textures. The album captures moments of soaring intensity and reflective calm, with melodies that feel both familiar and daringly new. As Potter weaves through his own compositions, he allows space for each musician to explore and push the boundaries, creating an album that invites listeners to immerse themselves in the textures, rhythms, and subtle dialogues of true jazz masters.

Track Listing:

1. Dream of Home (Chris Potter) 05:39

2. Cloud Message (Chris Potter) 07:05

3. Indigo Ildikó (Chris Potter) 07:18

4. Eagle’s Point (Chris Potter) 07:35

5. Aria for Anna (Chris Potter) 06:14

6. Other Plans (Chris Potter) 07:40

7. Málaga Moon (Chris Potter) 08:28

8. Horizon Dance (Chris Potter) 06:39

Personnel:

Chris Potter: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet

John Patitucci: double bass

Brad Mehldau: piano

Brian Blade: drums

Produced by Chris Potter
Co-produced by Louise Holland
Executive producers Dave Stapleton and Louise Holland
Recorded by John Davis at The Bunker Studio
Mixed by John Davis at Strange Weather Studio
Mastered by Alex DeTurk at the Bunker Studio
Album artwork by Oli Bentley, Split

Review:

Eagle’s Point offers a popular view of San Francisco’s Land’s End Park, and the serene, stunning view of the rocky cliffs and the Golden Gate Bridge can be felt in Chris Potter’s album by the same name; just by looking at song titles like “Cloud Message,” “Horizon Dance,” and “Málaga Moon,” you know this is a record about looking into the distance and feeling connected beyond the moment. After Potter’s previous set, the live Got the Keys to the Kingdom, which focused on covers, his 2024 record features eight new compositions by the saxophonist himself. It was recorded with a group of like-minded luminaries, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, who bring in considerable experience as bandleaders and sidemen for heavyweights like Wayne Shorter or Joshua Redman. While Potter has played with all three on various occasions since the late ’80s and early ’90s, this is the first time they’re playing as a unit.

The resulting album is a luxurious journey, featuring four creative musicians in a conversation that’s as engaging as it is laid-back — they connect on an intuitive, emotional level, complementing each other without ever feeling the need to become the center of attention. Everyone has plenty of opportunity to shine, supported by the others. Check out how the rhythm section on “Cloud Message” playfully goes against the grain without ever losing its light-footed swing. Check out the range between Chris Potter’s cool bass clarinet on the dreamy “Indigo Ildikó” and his passionate solo on the more dramatic “Málaga Moon.” Listen to Mehldau’s delicate chords that set the mood on the opening “Dream of Home” and his piano solo that playfully teases the rhythm section on “Horizon Dance.” Patitucci’s melodic support is also a standout, as are Blade’s varied textures. Eagle’s Point is a masterful record that offers many pleasures throughout its entirety and keeps revealing nuances on repeated listens. The music feels as timeless as those cliffs at Eagle’s Point.

Christian Genzel (AllMusic)