Acclaimed Saxophonist and Columbia Resident Chris Potter set to Perform at Harbison Theatre
Intriguing sounds await music lovers as the celebrated saxophonist and Columbia resident, Chris Potter, is set to enrapture audiences on Saturday at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. Born in Chicago, Illinois, but a long-time resident of Columbia, Potter has been associated with the mesmerizing sound of the saxophone since a young age, making him a prodigy
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Potter’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Barely in his teens, Chris Potter was swayed by the enchanting saxophone solos of Paul Desmond from the iconic jazz ensemble, The Dave Brubeck Quartet. The lure of the alto sax sound was potent enough to convince him to exchange his love for rock and move towards jazz. Soon after, he procured his own saxophone and started taking lessons from local instructor Bryson Borgstedt.
An exceptional talent, Potter began performing gigs around town at the tender age of 13. Five years later, he left Columbia to pursue his jazz dreams in New York, thereby marking the beginning of a stupendous career as a bandleader and a skilled sideman.
Return to Roots
This Saturday marks the return of the accomplished musician to his roots in Columbia. Performing alongside the 18-piece SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, Potter will lead the program “Saxophone Colossus”. The evening will be a harmonious blend of classic standards and originals from Potter’s vast musical repertoire, adding the high-energy vibe of a big band.
A Prolific Career
Potter has had a spectacular career, a sax player with the rare ability to switch between acoustic jazz and electric fusion, making him a dynamic and versatile performer. His versatility is evident in his wide-ranging albums that have included exciting collaborations with pianist Brad Mehldau, straight-ahead post-bop with an acoustic quartet to innovative works combining jazz and sampling technology.
Award-winning Career
The well-regarded saxophonist has garnered accolades from distinguished publications like Down Beat, the New York Times, Slate and several others. His contributions to the world of jazz have also earned him a Grammy Award nomination.
Sideman Performances
Chris Potter’s sax performances are widespread in the jazz genre, having played with notable musicians like Paul Motian, Red Rodney, Dave Holland, Pat Metheny, the Charles Mingus Big Band, John Patitucci, and Wayne Shorter. The musician’s versatility and skill further shine through in unconventional collaborations as well, such as his guest appearances on two Steely Dan albums.
No stranger to acknowledging the significant influences in his career, Potter attributes much of his success to the myriad leaders he’s worked with over the years. “I’ve had the chance to learn a lot from all the leaders that I’ve worked with,” he shared on his website, “Each gave me another perspective on how to organize a band and make a statement. It’s taught me that any approach can work, as long as you have a strong vision of what you want to do.”
It’s this gritty determination and unflinching focus on his vision that has seen him emerge as a “Saxophone Colossus”. As Columbia eagerly awaits his performance this Saturday, it’s evident that Chris Potter’s return to his roots is sure to be a melodious affair, resounding with his legacy and his extraordinary saxophone prowess.
