In A Mellotone – 1986

Chris Potter is a significant and influential modern jazz tenor-saxophonist who has worked with such notables as Pat Metheny, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano, Dave Holland, and his own groups.

He first came to fame with trumpeter Red Rodney’s group in 1990 as an alto-saxophonist.

This film clip predates even that, featuring Potter on alto in 1986 when he was just 16.

He is heard as a guest along with the excellent trumpeter John Helms (who barely recorded in his career) with guitarist Terry Rosen’s trio; Rosen worked with Harry James during 1960-61.

The teenaged Potter holds his own with the other fine players during an uptempo version of “In A Mellotone.”

-Scott Yanow