‘small things’ by Jackson Potter out now!

January 24, 2025  /  News

Jackson Potter Unveils small things –– A Big Step in His Musical Journey 

Landmark moments occur in every artist’s career that distinguish a new era in creative development. For many musicians, one of these moments is moving to New York City – a legendary location regarding jazz music. Small things, the second album by guitarist Jackson Potter, captures his growth as a guitarist, composer, and arranger since moving to New York City in 2021. Equally important, this new record showcases an exciting new quintet. The core band consists of Alex Ridout on trumpet, Troy Roberts on tenor saxophone, Potter on guitar, Hamish Smith on bass, and Marcello Cardillo on drums. Additionally, Jaleel Shaw (saxophone) and Sophia Formella (vocals) appear on the title track. Small things is out now on CD and digital formats.

Raised in St. Paul, MN, Potter grew up with music around the house. He learned to play guitar at the age of 10 from his father, who was introduced to music by his mother, Joyce Paul, a country singer in Nashville who opened for Elvis Presley and sang with greats such as Tony Bennett and Pat Boone. Her legacy is marked by her 1969 hit single “Phone Call to Mama,” which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Potter quickly excelled at the instrument, and by age 21, he had placed in several midwestern guitar competitions, honoring the family legacy in music. In 2016, Potter attended the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, where he studied jazz guitar with John Hart.

Shortly after graduating, Potter released his debut album, Restless, in October 2021 on Wise Cat Records, showcasing both his guitar playing and composing talents. The album placed in the Top 3 on RMR’s Jazz Album Chart (Roots Music Report), including RMR’s Top Jazz Album Chart for the Year 2021. Additionally, he placed at number 12 on the NACC (North American College and Community Chart) and received enthusiastic reviews from critics and press. Since moving to NYC in 2021, Potter has performed at iconic venues such as Dizzy’s, the Django, the Aman, and the Atrium Stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Additionally, he has performed with artists such as Jaleel Shaw, Troy Roberts, Richie Nuzz, Jim Cammack, April Varner (winner of the 2023 Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition), Tyreek McDole, and others.

Potter maintains a busy schedule performing most nights in NYC both as a leader and a sideman for various artists ranging in genres from jazz to pop. The group is deliberately composed of versatile musicians, as Potter’s music is reflective of multiple influences that range from straight-ahead traditional jazz (e.g., Sophia’s WaltzMr. M) to more modern jazz (e.g., small thingsBackground Noise). This blend of new and old styles is an integral part of Potter’s musical identity that is displayed beautifully on the record. From his lush and heartfelt rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” to his adventurous playing on “Trams,” small things is a record that you don’t want to miss.

 

Track Listing

1. Trams 8:02 (Troy Roberts)
2. small things 7:08 (Jackson Potter)
3. Mr. M 5:39 (Jackson Potter)
4. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes 7:49 (Jerome Kern)
5. Hey, It’s Me You’re Talking To 6:46 (Victor Lewis)
6. Background Noise 7:15 (Jackson Potter)
7. The Duke 6:28 (Dave Brubeck)
8. Everything I Love 5:40 (Cole Porter)
9. Sophia’s Waltz 5:38 (Jackson Potter)