Acclaimed drummer, composer, arranger, and bandleader Dave Potter announces the highly anticipated release of his third album as a leader, Retro Groove 2. This project, set to drop on February 7, 2025, features Potter and his band delivering ingenious arrangements of 1980s classics by iconic artists such as Whitney Houston, Rush, The Isley Brothers, Toto, and more. With a unique fusion of swing, blues, and post-bop sensibilities, Retro Groove 2 bridges the gap between jazz purists and casual listeners, offering a compelling and fresh take on retro radio hits.
A Stellar Lineup
The album features a remarkable ensemble:
Dave Potter – drums
Miguel Alvarado – tenor saxophone (tracks 1-5, 8)
Angelo Versace – piano
Rob Linton – bass
Greg Tardy – tenor saxophone (track 7)
Jason Marsalis – vibes (track 6)
A Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation
In Retro Groove 2, Potter reimagines 1980s hits with a jazz-forward approach, injecting swing, improvisation, and high-level creativity into beloved songs. As Jazziz Magazine notes of the Retro Groove series: “Potter arranged a mixtape’s worth of hits from an ear-friendly era, injecting swing and improvisation into songs by Prince, Peter Gabriel, Living Colour, Steve Winwood, The Doobie Brothers, etc.… Aided by a first-rate quartet, the Atlanta-based drummer brings post-bop sensibilities to his interpretations of retro radio hits powered by Potter’s aggressive attack.”
Highlights of Retro Groove 2 include:
An uptempo jazz reinterpretation of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”
A soulful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You,” which transforms the ballad into a Great American Songbook-style standard
A bold take on Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” showcasing its adaptability to jazz contexts
A second-line-inspired version of Toto’s “Rosanna,” featuring Greg Tardy’s tenor sax
The album’s closer, Michael Sembello’s “Maniac,” propelled by Angelo Versace’s piano and Miguel Alvarado’s saxophone
Tour Dates
Catch Dave Potter and his band on tour:
1/9/25 – The JEN Conference, Atlanta
2/7/25 – Rudy’s Jazz Room, Nashville
2/8/25 – Red Light Café, Atlanta
3/21/25 – The Nash, Phoenix
3/22/25 – The Century Room, Tucson
4/13/25 – Baby Grand Jazz, Hartford, CT
About Dave Potter
Potter’s journey to jazz mastery is a testament to his passion and perseverance. A latecomer to the drum set during high school, he became enamored with jazz after discovering Tony Williams and the Miles Davis Quintet. Guided by mentors such as Marcus Roberts and Jason Marsalis, Potter honed his craft through rigorous study, practice, and collaboration.
Despite challenges, including the 2008-2009 recession, Potter balanced a day job with his robust teaching, performing, and recording career. His dedication to creating meaningful and innovative music shines through in Retro Groove 2, an album that underscores his belief in jazz’s ability to resonate across audiences and genres.
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