One of the leading jazz saxophonists, Chris Potter performs a mixture of his original compositions and jazz standards with the CJC Dean of Instruction/bassist Jeff Denson and CJC Chair of the Drum Department, Gerald Cleaver.
Band Members & Instrumentation
Chris Potter - saxophone
Jeff Denson - bass
Gerald Cleaver - drums
Artist Bios
A world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, Grammy Award nominated saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Potter’s music showcases limitless creativity and a vibrant sense of swing, prompting critics, musicians, and fans alike to cite him as the one of the finest saxophonists today.
The New Yorker calls Potter, "A tenorist who can remind you of Joe Henderson at his craftiest, he employs his considerable technique in the service of music rather than spectacle."
With his 2019 Edition Records release, Circuits, Potter made a return to groove, echoing music from his Underground era. Potter’s new music thrives on the band’s chemistry, blending a vibrant soundscape of electronics, melodies with unforgettable hooks, and surprising turns of phrase, all played with relentless energy.
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In his All Music bio of Gerald Cleaver, journalist Thom Jurek notes that “Gerald Cleaver is among the most agile and wide-ranging first-call musicians on the 21st century jazz scene.” Jurek goes on to cite year after year of Cleaver’s artistry on recordings and on tour, which witnessed his performing on a dozen or more recordings a year for more than a decade.
Cleaver has worked with such jazz luminaries as Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Burrell, Frank Foster, Cecil Bridgewater, Eddie Harris, Diana Krall, Don Byron and Bill Frisell, among many others.
Awarded an NEA Fellowship grant, Cleaver used the opportunity to study with Victor Lewis. Graduating with a music degree from the University of Michigan, Cleaver joined the U of M faculty in 1995.
Cleaver now serves as Chair of the California Jazz Conservatory Drum Department in Berkeley, CA, as the first-ever recipient of the Jennifer A. Maxwell Distinguished Professorship Award.
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Jeff Denson has balanced a full career as both an acclaimed performing musician and a highly respected educator. Jeff has released 16 albums as a leader or co-leader and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with both his own groups, worked with some of jazz’s finest artists such as Brian Blade, Jane Ira Bloom, Dave Douglas, Charles McPherson, Cuong Vu, Joe Lovano, Ralph Alessi, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Vadim Neselovskyi, Florian Weber, Warren Wolf, Romain Pilon, Edward Simon, Dan Weiss, Paul Hanson among others, and had an ongoing relationship with the legendary Lee Konitz since 2007.
Denson has received rave reviews in such periodicals as the Washington Post, NY Times, SF Chronicle, and Downbeat Magazine. He has received such prizes as the German Cultural Award in 2006 and Downbeat Magazine Rising Star Critic's Poll awards for "Electric Bassist," "Male Vocalist" and "Double Bassist" the last four years in a row (2018-2021). Jeff won the Downbeat Rising Star Critic's Poll for Electric Bassist this year, 2021. Jeff also has the unique distinction of being the bassist of the Lee Konitz New Quartet for over twelve years and is currently the Dean of Instruction and Chair of the Bass Department of the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, CA.
JAMBAR Presents is a special series of select concerts, workshops and other events sponsored by JAMBAR whose purpose is to support music and active living.