Chris Potter - tenor saxophone
Craig Taborn - piano
Scott Colley - bass
Marcus Gilmore - drums
You Gotta Move (Mississippi Fred McDowell)
Nozani Na (Amazonian folk tune, transcribed by Edgar Roquette-Pinto and Heitor Villa-Lobos)
Blood Count (Billy Strayhorn)
Klactoveedsedstene (Charlie Parker)
Olha Maria (Antonio Carlos Jobim/Chico Buarque/Vinicius De Moraes)
Got the Keys to the Kingdom (traditional/spiritual)
Executive producer Dave Stapleton and Louise Holland
Recorded by Tyler McDiarmid and Geoff Countryman at the Village Vanguard
Mixed by Chris Allen at Sear Sound
Mastered by Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering
Album artwork by Oli Bentley, Split
Photo by Luke Marantz
‘Got the Keys to the Kingdom’ is the new album from world-renowned saxophonist Chris Potter, recorded live at the Village Vanguard in February 2022. Since joining Edition Records in 2019, he has released two albums with his Circuits Trio (featuring James Francies and Eric Harland), as well as the multi-tracked solo record: ‘There Is A Tide’. Chris’ latest album features an all-star band comprising Craig Taborn, Scott Colley and Marcus Gilmore, recorded live in arguably the most famous and revered Jazz club in the world.
The new record is bursting with energy – in the moment and free. The tracklist exclusively features covers, often simple, joyous spiritual songs walking a path between augmenting the music but not losing the rawness of the original. Reimagined folk tunes (Nozani Na, Olha Maria), powerful spirituals (Got the Keys to the Kingdom) and uncommon jazz standards (Blood Count, Klactoveedsedstene) make the final cut from the multi-night residency. It’s a tracklist that defies convention allowing the band space to explore with some melodies that may not be so familiar to fans of the music; as Chris says himself – “these are tunes people don’t usually play”.
The band plays with unity and spirit, injecting momentum and seamless flow. Craig Taborn’s majestic sheets of sound, Scott Colley’s earthiness and Marcus Gilmore’s fiery pulse are commanding and compelling when fused together with Chris Potter’s distinctive biting and nuanced playing.
There’s no doubt that Chris Potter is entering a new phase in his career; since the lockdowns brought a stop to his unrelenting schedule of touring, Chris has had more hours to practise and compose. The result is some of the highest level playing you’ll hear – with ultimate humility and character.
The album is situated within the historic Village Vanguard, and the sound of this incredible room and the energy of the audience is palpable. Close your eyes, tune in and you can almost imagine you’re sitting within the hallowed walls of one of the world’s most iconic venues. Expect high energy, intensity, technical brilliance, effervescent joy and a snapshot of one of the world’s greatest saxophonists in his element.
“...one of the most important records of the year.” Jazz Halo Belgium
“...massive energy, technical mastery and joy from the playing.” Jazzport Czech Republic
“... constantly shifting showcase for the whole band...” Stereogum
“... The tunes are obscure, the playing extreme.” The Times
“...a majestic performance...” London Jazz News
“...high energy, intensity, technical brilliance, effervescent joy” Jazz Blues News
“...an exciting new phase of his career.” Suono Italy
“...beautifully captured new live record...” Jazz Journal
“...consummate musicianship and steely improviser’s prowess...” Financial Times
“...feels like music from a higher power.” UK Vibe
“...put this one alongside your favorite classics recorded at the Village Vanguard.” Glide Magazine
“...sheer performance techniques and stage presence” Sound of Life
