On February 17, 2022, Chris Potter, accompanied by Craig Taborn on piano, Scott Colley on bass, and Marcus Gilmore on drums, delivered a memorable performance at the Village Vanguard. This engagement was part of a multi-night residency that culminated in the live album Got the Keys to the Kingdom: Live at the Village Vanguard, released in 2023. (chrispotterjazz.bandcamp.com)
The setlist featured a selection of covers, including "You Gotta Move," "Nozani Na," "Blood Count," "Klactoveedsedstene," "Olha Maria," and the titular "Got the Keys to the Kingdom." Potter's choice to reinterpret these pieces, often less commonly performed in jazz circles, showcased his ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes. Critics praised the ensemble's cohesion and the fresh perspectives brought to each composition. (allaboutjazz.com)
This performance marked a significant collaboration between Potter and Taborn, who had previously worked together on the 2015 album Imaginary Cities. The synergy between Potter and Colley, both members of the Chris Potter Underground Orchestra, was also evident, reflecting their longstanding musical relationship. Gilmore's dynamic drumming added a compelling rhythmic foundation, enhancing the group's collective improvisational prowess. (en.wikipedia.org)
