Sirens

Personnel: Chris Potter (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Craig Taborn (piano); David Virelles (prepared piano, celesta, harmonium); Larry Grenadier (double bass); Eric Harland (drums).Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York (09/2011).Photographer: John Rogers .The Sirens is Chris Potter's debut as a leader for ECM but he's no stranger to the label. He recorded as a member of Dave Holland's band, and collaborated with Paul Motian and Jason Moran on Lost in a Dream. The saxophonist's quintet here includes pianist Craig Taborn -- a member of Potter's electric ensemble Underground -- bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Eric Harland, and the relatively unknown David Virelles, texturing the proceedings on prepared piano, celeste, and harmonium. Creating a concept album as your first offering for a new label is a brave endeavor, but Potter rises to it. The Sirens is inspired by his re-reading of Homer's The Odyssey; he was moved by the enduring qualities of humanity i