Alive With Ghosts Today is Chris Potter’s new suite inspired by the story of the abolitionist John Brown. Potter, widely regarded as one of the most influential improvisers and composers of his generation, traces Brown’s 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry – a moment that exposed the contradictions, violence and ideals at the heart of America. He uses the narrative as a lens to explore belief, sacrifice and the unresolved tension that still sits in American life. The music pushes into a raw, American-rooted soundworld shaped by blues, folk, Copland-esque harmony, and the rhythmic drive that runs through the country’s history.
The ensemble was built to sound like a small-town band with limited resources but deep character – guitar, bass, drums, violin, clarinet and trombone. Bill Frisell’s guitar forms the emotional centre, carrying the grain and warmth Potter imagined while writing. Nate Smith and Burniss Travis lock the pulse with weight and feel. Sarah Caswell’s violin moves between classical clarity and fiddle grit. Clarinetist Rane Moore and trombonist Zekkereya El-magharbel shape the edges of the music with distinct colours, turning written material into something lived-in and human. Their collective sound gives the suite its shape and force.
Chris Potter Tenor and Soprano Saxophones Bill Frisell Guitar Burniss Travis Bass Nate Smith Drums Rane Moore Clarinet Zekkereya El-magharbel Trombone Sara Caswell Violin
Music composed by Chris Potter
Except D1 and D2: D1 (Song of the Underground Railroad) – John Coltrane, Traditional D2 (Going Home) – Excerpt from Dvo?ák: Symphony No. 9 in E-minor 'From the New World'
Produced by Chris Potter Executive Producers: Dave Stapleton and Louise Holland Recorded at Sear Sound, NYC on 24th - 26th March, 2025
Recorded by Chris Allen Assistant Engineer: Maximilian Troppe Mixed by Chris Allen at Second Take Sound Studio B Mastered by Nate Wood
Album artwork by Oli Bentley, Split Photos by Dave Stapleton
