1.9 Inspiration

Chris Potter - Saxophonist Supreme

A world class soloist and formidable band leader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Down Beat magazine called him: One of the most studied and copied saxaphonists on the planet, while Jazz Times identified him as “a figure of international renown”. Chis is always one of the top names in jazz polls around the world.

Chris was born Jan 1, 1971, in Chicago and moved to South Carolina when he was 3 yrears old. He started playing guitar and piano before he started playing alto sax at the age of 10. When he was 12, he appeared at the Internatioonal Association of Jazz Educators with Arni Lawrence, Paquito Rivera and Bunky Green when he won the Young Talent award.. He played his first gig at 13. By 15, according to jazz legend Marian McPartland, Chris was ready for a big time band like the Woody Herman Herd. After finishing High School at 18, Chris moved to NYand studied music at the New School and the Manhattan School of Music. Later that year he made his national debut with jazz veteran Red Rodney, former Charlie Parker trumpeter.

Chris has already recorded 15 albums on his own, appeared on over 100 others and was nominated for a grammy in 1999. In addition to performing with his own group, Chris has been a member of the Dave Holland band for 10 years and continues to play at numerous Jazz Festivals and other jazz venues around the world.. His explorations with the electrified, groove oriented vein has added another diminsion to his well rounded musical experinces, making him one of the most sought after musicians in NY. When you hear Chris play, youʼll know why he has become a legend after only 40 short years of his life. Without doubt, he will continue to grow and mature with his incredible talent and musical genius leading the way.