Potter Chris/Underground - Imaginary Cities CD

Imaginary Cities is the recording premiere of saxophonist Chris Potter's new Underground Orchestra. At the core of this larger ensemble is the personnel of his long-established Underground quartet - with Adam Rogers, Craig Taborn and Nate Smith - now joined by two bassists, a string quartet, and Potter's old comrade from Dave Holland Quintet days, vibes and marimba man Steve Nelson. The title composition is a suite, panoramic in it's reach, with movements subtitled Compassion, Dualities, Disintegration and Rebuilding. The scope of the work, and it's contrasting moods and thematic development, inspire some of Potter's finest playing. His saxes fly high above his idealized cityscapes or launch into dialogues or group improvising with it's gifted inhabitants. Four further pieces - Lament, Firefly, Sky and Shadow Self - extend the feeling of the suite, successfully combining both tightly wri