Houston Person still remembers the day in 1950 that changed his life. He was a typical 16-year-old in his hometown of Florence, SC. He sang in the high-school choir and glee club, but he was mostly interested in football and basketball. Then, Christmas morning, his parents gave him a surprise gift: a tenor saxophone. Several decades, hundreds of albums, and thousands of concerts later, his life and career remain centered around the tenor sax. When it comes to soul-jazz, Person has been at the top of the genre for more years than he may care to admit. Through all the different styles coursing through those decades — from hard bop, through fusion, to avant-garde — Person has been steadfast in his dedication. All of Houston Person’s trademarks are present on his newest recording. With the phenomenal vibes of Steve Nelson and the top-flight rhythm section — ably led by pianist John di Martino — Houston & Co. caress the ballads with lush melodicism and swing heartily through the up-tempo numbers.
