Houston Person

Tenor saxophonist Houston Person is one of the most soulful jazz players today. He is a musician who pays close attention to melody and deeply senses the blues. “I look for a great melody and lyrics,” He is known today as a master of popular songs played in a relaxed, highly-accessible style reminiscent of the great Ben Webster. Person says that Illinois Jacquet significantly influenced his style, as were Stan Getz, Joe Holiday, and Ben Webster.

Person built his reputation as a leader with a series of soulful recordings for Prestige in the 1960s. However, for a large part of his career, he is best known for his partnership with vocalist Etta Jones, which lasted for 35 years until she died in 2001. “I had a band without a singer, and she was a singer without a band,” he recalled. He also served as her manager and produced her albums.

Having recorded over 100 albums under his own name, he says, “I’ve played with everyone I’ve wanted to.” He knows the music business inside out, from booking his tours to producing his albums. “I believe in personal relationships,” he said. He has recorded everything from disco and gospel to pop, rhythm & blues, and his trademark soulful hard bop. He received the Eubie Blake Jazz Award in 1982.

Excerpt from:
Houston Person: It’s Been a Wonderful Journey
Lew Shaw
March 31, 2020
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