Landmark moments occur in every artist’s career that distinguish a new era in creative development. For many musicians, one of these moments is moving to New York City – a legendary location regarding jazz music.

Small Things by Jackson Potter captures his growth as a guitarist, composer, and arranger since moving to New York City in 2021. Equally important, this new record showcases an exciting new quintet.

The core band consists of Alex Ridout on trumpet, Troy Roberts on tenor saxophone, Potter on guitar, Hamish Smith on bass, and Marcello Cardillo on drums. Additionally, Jaleel Shaw (saxophone) and Sophia Formella (vocals) appear on the title track. Small Things is out now on CD and digital formats.

1. Trams (8:01) (Troy Roberts)
2. Small Things (7:08) (Jackson Potter)
3. Mr. M (5:38) (Jackson Potter)
4. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (7:49) (Jerome Kern)
5. Hey, It’s Me You’re Talking To (6:45) (Victor Lewis)
6. Background Noise (7:14) (Jackson Potter)
7. The Duke (6:27) (Dave Brubeck)
8. Everything I Love (5:39) (Cole Porter)
9. Sophia’s Waltz (5:38) (Jackson Potter)

Recorded on February 18th of 2024 at Bunker Studio by Nolan Thies, and mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Studios, this stunningly free flowing, elegantly-hued new recording opens on the joyfully bountiful Trams and then we get the smile inducing grooves within the titular Small Things brought forth, and they are backed by the soulful Mr. M and the veritably glistening Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.

Along next is the sprightly charged Hey, It’s Me You’re Talking To and the aptly-named, dulcet at first, yet forthright and gently frenetic latterly Background Noise, and then we get the dutiful finger snapper The Duke, the album rounding out on the playfully flirtatious (once it gets going) nature of Everything I Love, closing on the stunning sheer elegance that engagingly drifts beautifully throughout Sophia’s Waltz.

Potter maintains a busy schedule performing most nights in NYC both as a leader and a sideman for various artists ranging in genres from jazz to pop. The group is deliberately composed of versatile musicians, as Potter’s music is reflective of multiple influences that range from straight-ahead traditional jazz (e.g., Sophia’s Waltz, Mr. M) to more modern jazz (e.g., small things, Background Noise).

This blend of new and old styles is an integral part of Potter’s musical identity that is displayed beautifully on the record. From his lush and heartfelt rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” to his adventurous playing on “Trams,” Small Things is a record that you don’t want to miss.

Musicians:
Alex Ridout - trumpet, flugelhorn
Troy Roberts - tenor saxophone
Jackson Potter - guitar
Hamish Smith - bass
Marcello Cardillo - drums

Official Purchase Link

Jackson Potter @ Facebook