Format Details: Clear Blue Vinyl
Release Date: 08 May 2026
Label: Edition Records
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5060509793198
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Release Date: 08 May 2026
Label: Edition Records
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5060509793211
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Description
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
Press:
"Bags of detail, soloists in elegant form and the narrative drive of the excellent Nate Smith and Burniss Travis on drums and bass, complete an album that engages and grips." - **** The Financial Times
"There's enough groove and ecstatic playing to satisfy even the passing listener. Quite how Potter wrings such epic but intimate sounds from a small band reflects his arranging skills and the deep commitment of the band. Enjoy. And listen." - **** Jazzwise
"These are sparkling performances across the board, with each musician contributing distinct colour and personality...Alive With Ghosts Today is an exciting, deeply considered work, one that balances intellect with feeling, and history with immediacy." - **** UK Vibe
"Potter's contemporary composing style shines through on the funky "Osawatomie Brown" and Frisell is assigned a solo spot, one where he's unbothered by the suddenly quickening tempo and delivers shimmering, refreshingly unfussy lines." - Something Else Reviews
Description
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
Press:
"Bags of detail, soloists in elegant form and the narrative drive of the excellent Nate Smith and Burniss Travis on drums and bass, complete an album that engages and grips." - **** The Financial Times
"There's enough groove and ecstatic playing to satisfy even the passing listener. Quite how Potter wrings such epic but intimate sounds from a small band reflects his arranging skills and the deep commitment of the band. Enjoy. And listen." - **** Jazzwise
"These are sparkling performances across the board, with each musician contributing distinct colour and personality...Alive With Ghosts Today is an exciting, deeply considered work, one that balances intellect with feeling, and history with immediacy." - **** UK Vibe
"Potter's contemporary composing style shines through on the funky "Osawatomie Brown" and Frisell is assigned a solo spot, one where he's unbothered by the suddenly quickening tempo and delivers shimmering, refreshingly unfussy lines." - Something Else Reviews
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
Gretchen Parlato
Richard Spaven
Nils Petter Molvaer
Joe Webb
Chris Potter
Miho Hazama
Jasper Hoiby
Ben Wendel
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
Chris Potter
