“One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet.” —DownBeat magazine
Chris Potter
Saxophone – Jazz Institute Online
hris Potter brings so much to SJW. As one of the most adventurous and thoughtful improvisers on the jazz scene, he connects deeply with SJW students, assisting them with their own journeys toward mastery of their instruments and of the music. His performances at the Stanford Jazz Festival are electrifying. Approachable and generous, Chris is always a huge hit at SJW.
A world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, Grammy Award nominated saxophonist Chris has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Potter’s music showcases limitless creativity and a vibrant sense of swing, prompting critics, musicians, and fans alike to cite him as the one of the finest saxophonists today. The New Yorker calls Potter, “A tenorist who can remind you of Joe Henderson at his craftiest, he employs his considerable technique in the service of music rather than spectacle.” With his 2019 Edition Records release, Circuits, Potter makes a return to groove, echoing music from his Underground era. Joined by keyboardist and SJW alumnus James Francies and SJW faculty artist drummer Eric Harland, Potter’s new music thrives on the band’s chemistry, blending a vibrant soundscape of electronics, melodies with unforgettable hooks, and surprising turns of phrase, all played with relentless energy.
Potter’s impressive discography includes 15 albums as a leader and sideman appearances on over 100 albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo work on In Vogue, a track from Joanne Brackeen’s 1999 album Pink Elephant Magic, and was prominently featured on Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning album from 2000, Two Against Nature. He has performed or recorded with many of the leading names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown and many others.

Shawn Williams

Chris Potter

Raffi Garabedian

Jeremy Pelt

Christopher Sullivan

Steve Blum

Jon Hatamiya

Taylor Eigsti

Anat Cohen

Lemar Guillary

Luther Allison

Kushal Talele

Markus Howell

Tyler Kaneshiro

Adi Meyerson

Valerie Troutt

Naomi Siegel

Dave Robaire

Natalie Cressman

Paul Cornish

Cory Cox

Maya Kronfeld

Daniel Rotem

Caroline Davis

Sandy Cressman

Ana Barreiro

Michael Mitchell

Noah Garabedian

Darren Johnston

Sam Reider

Dr. David Hart

Steven Lugerner

Malachi Whitson

Carmen Staaf

Caili O’Doherty

Patrick Wolff

Yosvany Terry

John Sturino

Kristen Strom

Chris Potter

Jon Hatamiya

Jimmy Kraft

Lauren Baba

Taylor Eigsti

Joshua Redman

Lemar Guillary

Anna Butterss

Luther Allison

Kushal Talele

Tyler Kaneshiro

Valerie Troutt

Roy McCurdy

Madeline Eastman

Dena DeRose

Lorca Hart

Natalie John

Javier Santiago

Dan Zemelman

Ana Barreiro

Joshua White

Michael Mitchell

Max Jaffe

Tomoko Funaki

Steven Lugerner

Marcus Shelby

Richard Sears

Yosvany Terry

Julian Lage

Ingrid Jensen

Eric Harland

Larry Grenadier
