Chris Potter - Imaginary Cities (LP)

Chris Potter's "Imaginary Cities," released in January 2015 under ECM Records, is a captivating journey through the realms of jazz, jazz fusion, and free jazz. This studio album, recorded in December 2013, showcases the Chris Potter Underground Orchestra's exceptional talent and creativity. The centerpiece of the album is the ambitious four-part title track, "Imaginary Cities," which spans both sides of the second record in this two-LP set. Inspired by Italo Calvino's invisible cities, this suite, along with other original compositions, explores the concept of the ideal modern city, offering a unique blend of musical storytelling and innovation.

With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, the album features a compelling mix of tracks, including "Lament," "Compassion," "Dualities," "Disintegration," "Rebuilding," "Firefly," "Shadow Self," and "Sky." The music is performed by a combination of Potter's regular Underground band, augmented by two basses and a string quartet, creating a rich and textured sound. "Imaginary Cities" is a testament to Chris Potter's compositional prowess and the orchestra's ability to bring his vision to life, making it a standout release in the contemporary jazz landscape.