I've been listening to Follow The Red Line by Chris Potter. This catches his 'underground' band in a live setting. This album is truly about improvising with other band members that manage to transport the ideas of the soloist to whever they want to go. It reminds me of Mahavishnu in places for shear energy, spontaneity and virtuosity.
Potter's tone has a visceral edge to it, thats not to say that he isn't in control - quite the opposite, he is able to generate a raw sound with a solid core and uses it to improvise without cliche, licks or patterns - with such a strong technique he can let his mind run free.
This is a modern album that could typify the current direction of jazz (irregular meters, eclectic rhythms, irregular instrumental formats).
Potter ends a frenetic set with some beautiful compositions (could almost be orchestrated) lead by his bass clarinet - nothing flashy; just tasteful musical colours of emotion.
You don't neccessarily have to play loud or fast to get the message across - There are many dimensions to Chris Potter.