Guitarist and composer Jackson Potter, based in New York City, is set to release his second album as a bandleader, small things, on January 24th, 2025, via Shifting Paradigm Records. This highly anticipated album showcases his unique blend of traditional jazz and modern composition, featuring a stellar lineup of New York musicians, including saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and tenor saxophonist Troy Roberts.
Potter, who grew up in St. Paul, MN, was immersed in music from an early age. His father, a guitarist, taught him to play the instrument at 10, following the musical legacy of his mother, Joyce Paul, a Nashville country singer who once opened for Elvis Presley. Joyce’s 1969 hit single "Phone Call to Mama" even charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list. With such a musical heritage, Potter quickly made his mark, winning several guitar competitions in his teens. In 2016, he moved to Miami to study jazz guitar at the Frost School of Music under John Hart, laying the foundation for his professional career.
Potter’s debut album, Restless (2021), received widespread acclaim, reaching the Top 3 on Roots Music Report’s Jazz Album Chart and garnering recognition from critics and audiences alike. Since relocating to New York City in 2021, Potter has performed at iconic venues like Dizzy's Club, The Django, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Atrium Stage, and The Aman. His performances alongside notable musicians such as Richie Nuzz, Tyreek McDole, and April Varner (winner of the 2023 Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition) have further cemented his reputation as a versatile and dynamic musician.
small things marks a significant evolution in Potter's artistry, capturing his growth as a guitarist, composer, and arranger since moving to NYC. The album features a carefully curated quintet, with Potter on guitar, Alex Ridout on trumpet, Troy Roberts on tenor saxophone, Hamish Smith on bass, and Marcello Cardillo on drums. The album also features special appearances by Jaleel Shaw (saxophone) and Sophia Formella (vocals) on the title track.
The compositions on small things reflect a range of influences, from the straight-ahead swing of traditional jazz to more modern, boundary-pushing sounds. Tracks like “Sophia’s Waltz” and “Mr. M” nod to classic jazz, while “small things” and “Background Noise” explore more contemporary styles. Potter’s music blends the old and the new, creating a distinctive sound that is both timeless and fresh.
Highlights of the album include Potter’s lush interpretation of the jazz standard “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and his adventurous guitar work on “Trams.” With its captivating melodies, virtuosic solos, and emotional depth, small things is an album that truly showcases Potter's artistic maturity and innovation.
As Potter reflects, “small things is about capturing the essence of personal and artistic growth. New York has been a place where I’ve been able to expand my musical horizons, and this album reflects that journey.”
About Jackson Potter
Jackson Potter is a guitarist, composer, and bandleader based in New York City. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Potter began playing guitar at the age of 10, influenced by a strong musical legacy from his mother, a country singer. He went on to study jazz guitar at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music before moving to New York City to pursue a career in music. Since then, Potter has become a sought-after performer and collaborator in the jazz and music scenes, performing with renowned musicians and earning acclaim for his innovative compositions and captivating guitar work.
small things is his second album as a leader, following his debut Restless (2021), and it marks an exciting new chapter in his career as an artist.
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