In the summer of 1989 when this album was recorded in sweltering heat of NYC pianist/composer Jim McNeely at the age of 40 had already had an impressive track record of performing with prominent players such as Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Liebman, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Orchestra, among others. McNeely, now a celebrated veteran himself, has earned ten nominations of the Grammy Awards and worked as conductor/composer/soloist-in-residence with a handful of radio orchestras of European major cities including Copenhagen, Frankfurt, etc., besides leading his own group. “This must be one of the finest piano trio albums I’ve heard, well, since the last by Jim McNeely… His musical sensitivity and sophistication make this album a constant joy.” (Any Hamilton – Wire UK on Winds Of Change)

Chris Potter writes: “Jim McNeely has always been one of my favorite composer/ arrangers, so I was thrilled to get the chance to work with him on [this] piece inspired by one of my favorite compositions, The Rite of Spring. He also arranged some of my music in a way that made me hear my own compositions in a fresh way. The band was a total delight to work with and played beautifully throughout, and I’m very proud of the result.”

REVIEW:

"Rituals," both the name of the album and of the work which accounts for a majority of its runtime, was originally commissioned as a tribute to Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” for a performance marking the 100-year anniversary of the Paris premiere of the “Rite.” It is fascinating to observe how McNeely pays tribute to the source while creating a work that is distinct, separate and his own.

In the course of Chris Potter’s solos and cadenzas in “Rituals”, he seems to capture the essence of the work’s fecund chaos. It sounds as though he is giving his absolute all and relishing every moment (in this position, it is hard to imagine any other soloist doing a better job). He is also composer of the final four tracks on the album, all still arranged by McNeely. 

The union of a composer such as Jim McNeely, at the height of his abilities, with the virtuosic powerhouse that is Chris Potter, supported by one of the world’s most accomplished bands, has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, this is an album that seems to successfully fulfil expectations and keep delivering new revelations.

-- London Jazz News (Charles Rees)

In the summer of 1989 when this album was recorded in sweltering heat of NYC pianist/composer Jim McNeely at the age of 40 had already had an impressive track record of performing with prominent players such as Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Liebman, the Thad Jones/Mel Louis Orchestra, among others. McNeely, now a celebrated veteran himself, has earned ten nominations of the Grammy Awards and worked as conductor/composer/soloist-in-residence with a handful of radio orchestras of European major cities including Copenhagen, Frankfurt, etc., besides leading his own group. “This must be one of the finest piano trio albums I’ve heard, well, since the last by Jim McNeely… His musical sensitivity and sophistication make this album a constant joy.” (Any Hamilton – Wire UK on Winds Of Change)

Primal Colors brings together the best of two worlds-the improvisational energy of jazz performed by the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the majestic grandeur of classical music from the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. This synergy is masterfully balanced to preserve the unique character of both genres. Each track showcases incredible solo performances from members of the Big Band and Symphony. Jim McNeely is an award-winning jazz composer known for his innovative approaches. "Primal Colors" further cements his reputation as a visionary artist who blends abstract concepts with rich musicality.