Child prodigy Chris Potter played every instrument before finally settling on the saxophone. He gave his first public performance at 13. His music education began at home with his parents' record collection (from Miles to Bach) and continued at the Manhattan School of Music. Sought-after sideman and born improviser, Potter honed his art with the Mingus Big Band and various groups, including the Dave Holland Big Band. In 2001 he formed his own group and paid tribute to lifelong influences such as John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. The musician released Sirens in 2013.