DAVE POTTER
Drummer Dave Potter leads a stellar sextet playing a musical tribute to Jazz legend Miles Davis and his classic bands from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, featuring Miguel Alvarado on tenor saxophone, Desmond Ng on trombone, Dr. Andrew Sioberg on trumpet, Daniel Kuk on piano and Rob “El Ton” Linton on bass.
Following his graduation from Florida State, Potter was chosen from a national pool of applicants to be a member of the Louis Armstrong Quintet at the University of New Orleans, which Katrina ended his hopes. Unfortunately, the tragedy of hurricane Katrina temporarily ended his hopes for a career in Louisiana. Soon after, Potter was awarded a full scholarship to The Julliard School in New York City. However, after several days of intense meditation he declined the offer and returned to Florida State University, where he received his master’s degree after further collaboration with his mentor Marcus Roberts.
The drummer is now based in Atlanta where he maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule while also touring with The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, Greg Tardy, Eric Reed, and Marcus Roberts, as well as his main project as a leader, Retro Groove.
Dave Potter – drums
Miguel Alvarado – tenor saxophone
Desmond Ng – trombone
Dr. Andrew Sioberg – trumpet
Rob “El Ton”Linton – bass
Martin Bejerano – piano (11/21)
Daniel Kuk – piano (11/22)
Tickets: $23.00
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On The Bookshelf
Jazz: America’s Classical Music | Grover Sales
Jazz critic Grover Sales takes the reader on a journey of introduction to the history, complexity and criticism of the music in Jazz: America’s Classical Music. This book illustrated with photographs, is considered a classic text and an ideal guide for both beginners and those familiar with the genre.
In an engaging and conversational style, the renowned jazz teacher tells of the lives and music of the greats like Ellington, Tatum, Hawkins, Coltrane, Parker, Hines, Goodman, Armstrong, and many others. He does this with a mix of important facts, fascinating anecdotes, and brilliant interpretations.
The author was a prominent figure in the jazz world, he taught at Stanford University and worked as the publicity director for the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Jazz: 1984 | Grover Sales
Prentiss-Hall Press
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Wayne Andre was born on November 17, 1931 in Manchester, Connecticut. His father was a saxophonist, and he took private music lessons from age 15. In the early 1950s he played with Charlie Spivak before spending some time in the U.S. Air Force. 1955 saw him joining the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, and the next year played with Woody Herman.
From 1956 to 1958 Wayne played with Kai Winding and enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music. He composed his Nutcracker and arranged The Preacher for the Kai Winding Septet while performing with the septet. In the 1960s, he performed with Gerry Mulligan’s first Concert Jazz Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and Clark Terry’s Big Band.
He joined the Mission to Russia with Benny Goodman in 1962. He also played with Urbie Green, Art Farmer, Roy Ayres, and Carl Fontana. After settling in New York City, Andre became a sought-after studio sideman and soloist. He has recorded with Liza Minnelli, Bruce Springsteen, and Alice Cooper.
During the Eighties he played with Lynn Welshman’s Tentet, The Mingus Big Band, The Epitaph Band, Jaco Pastorius and many others. He performed with his own quintet, which included Marvin Stamm, Pat Rebillot, Ronnie Zito, Jay Leonhart; and his septet which included Matt Finders, Keith O’Quinn, and Jim Pugh. Andre performed with his own big band, the Illinois Jacquet Band and Mike Longo’s New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble.
Wayne Andre, who recorded one hundred and sixty-seven albums as a studio musician, continued to write music for symphony orchestras and big bands throughout his life, died on August 26, 2003..
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Requisites
The Witch Doctor ~ Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers | By Eddie Carter
In this morning’s discussion, I’m excited to share a remarkable release from the library with you by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. Although it was recorded back in 1961, The Witch Doctor (Blue Note BST 84258) didn’t become available to the public until 1967. The Jazz Messengers were renowned for their evolving roster of exceptional musicians, and this particular album features one of the drummer’s most memorable ensembles. The group consists of Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass. The copy of this album I own is the 2021 Worldwide Blue Note Tone Poet Series stereo audiophile reissue, using the original catalog number.
The title tune by Lee Morgan opens the album, and the ensemble’s visit to The Witch Doctor sets a friendly tone with its mid-tempo introduction and inviting melody. Bobby starts us off with a relaxing solo, then Wayne takes a few easy-flowing choruses. Lee then takes over to give the following interpretation before Bobby returns to add a few comments, continuing to swing joyfully with the front line into the ending theme and climax. Lee’s Afrique begins with the trio’s animal sounds before Shorter’s piercing horn leads into the quintet’s medium-paced melody. Shorter kicks off the first solo with confidence, then Morgan adds an intense, steadily burning energy. Timmons approaches the third statement effortlessly, and Blakey finishes with a strong punch before the melody’s reprise and fadeout.
Wayne Shorter’s Those Who Sit and Wait grabs your attention right away with Art’s lively introduction to the quintet’s spirited theme. Wayne launches into a rapid-fire opening statement, followed by Lee’s energetic reading. Bobby jumps in next, meeting the challenge with an excellent solo that paves the way for a heated exchange between Lee, Wayne, and Art, propelling the ensemble to an electrifying climax. Side Two commences with the rhythm section’s infectious introduction, smoothly segueing into the group’s melody of Bobby Timmons’ A Little Busy. Timmons gets right to work first. Shorter keeps the lively mood going next, followed by another solo from the pianist. Lee paves a road back to the closing chorus, which softly fades away.
Joelle by Wayne Shorter comes at you with the rhythm section’s introduction gradually increasing into the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Lee makes the initial entrance with a nimble opening solo. Wayne delivers a captivating stream of ideas in the following reading. Bobby anchors the tune with a driving swing, culminating in a return to the melody that slowly dissolves into nothingness. Lost and Found by Clifford Jordan opens at a fast gallop for the quintet’s theme. Timmons leads the charge with a high-spirited statement, then steps aside for Shorter, who romps through the following solo. Morgan pours intense emotion into the third performance next, then Art engages the front line in a quick, dynamic exchange before the ensemble races to the conclusion with a sudden, abrupt stop.
The original recording session of “The Witch Doctor” was produced by Alfred Lion, with Rudy Van Gelder serving as the recording engineer. For the reissue, Joe Harley oversaw production, and Kevin Gray handled mastering, working directly from the original master tapes at Cohearant Audio. The result is exceptional audio quality, delivering a rich soundstage that truly immerses the listener. For those who are already collectors of the Blue Note Tone Poet Series, you know firsthand the exceptional quality and attention to detail these reissues offer, everything from high-resolution gatefold images and outstanding cover design to the premium 180-gram Virgin Vinyl, with the music itself being the ultimate highlight. But if you haven’t experienced them yet and you love jazz, you’re in for an absolute treat!
In addition to its outstanding musical performances, “The Witch Doctor” by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers is a fantastic album from beginning to end, perfectly embodying the essence of hard bop through vibrant compositions and dynamic group interplay. I highly recommend this Blue Note Tone Poet audiophile reissue as a great addition to your jazz library. I’m sure that whether you’re already a fan of Art Blakey or just starting to explore his extensive discography, this album is sure to become a favorite on your turntable!
© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Joe Alterman was born November 16, 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from New York University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Jazz Piano Performance.
He has performed at iconic venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note, sharing stages with jazz greats like Houston Person, Les McCann, and Ramsey Lewis. He also had the privilege of opening for Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center.
He leads his trio or performs solo with a deep groove, bluesy touch, and an exuberance that’s hard to resist, his playing is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. He has recorded eight critically acclaimed albums to his name, including the 2023 release Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe, Alterman continues to evolve as a recording artist while honoring jazz’s deep traditions.
His creativity extends to his cultural leadership and writing. As the Executive Director of Neranenah, an Atlanta-based Concert & Culture series, he celebrates Jewish contributions to music and the arts. His writing has also garnered acclaim, he has penned liner notes for three Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra albums. Alterman was the subject of Nat Hentoff’s final piece on music and in 2025, he was featured on President Jimmy Carter’s Grammy-winning album, Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration.
Pianist, composer, writer, and cultural curator Joe Alterman continues to record and swing with style all over the world.
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