Chris Potter is often cited by critics, musicians, and a steadily increasing number of fans as the finest saxophonist of his generation. As an "in-demand " sideman and polished leader, Potter has toured and recorded with many of the greats, including performances on recent Grammy-nominated recordings by Dave Holland, Danilo Perez, Marian McPartland, and Steely Dan. A featured performer with the Dave Holland Quintet, Potter also performs regularly in the Mingus Big Band and combos led by Paul Motian, Steve Swallow, Jim Hall, Dave Douglas, and Billy Hart. Potter's growing catalog of recordings as a leader—including 2005's live album Lift and his funkier new release Underground—has garnered significant critical praise, including from Jazz Times, which described Potter as "a gutsy player who just happens to have huge chops. Potter has creatively synthesized the history of the jazz saxophone and made it work for him."