Small Things
Shifting Paradigm, 2025
8/10
The esteemed guitarist Jackson Potter is in excellent company for these 9 diverse jazz tracks.
Potter’s spirited guitar starts the listen with the playful and rhythmic “Trams”, and the title track follows with Sophia Formella’s dreamy scatting amid Marcello Cardillo’s agile drumming.
“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” arrives in the middle and uses Potter’s meticulous guitar in a heartfelt way amid Alex Ridout’s soulful trumpet, while “Hey, It’s Me Your Talking To” is a frisky moment via Hamish Smith’s bouncy bass and Troy Roberts’ animated sax prowess.
“Everything I Know” and “Sophia’s Waltz” exit the listen. The former is an intimate moment of detailed guitar progressions before the energetic rhythm section enters, and the latter finishes soft, melodic and indebted to straight ahead, traditional jazz.
Even though he’s a youngster, Potter has an impressive resume already, and, as evidenced by this exceptional record, is clearly on his way to being a legendary jazz guitarist.
Travels well with: Mark Scott III- Soft Light; Marc Ciprut- Moonshine