RIJF 2023

In 2009, at a performance in Rochester, New York, saxophonists Houston Person and Eric Person came together on stage for the first time. The large and enthusiastic audience saw the debut of the pairing that is now known as Person2Person. Eric says the collaboration “was a long time coming and I enjoyed every minute of it. Performing alongside Houston is a dream come true.” After the performance, both were elated by its reception and promised to do it again. A few years later, at the world-famous Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York City, the two Persons kicked off a two-night stint featuring Eric’s blues composition Old Hat Feathers. Building on their performance success, they decided the next logical artistic step would be to record a CD together.

The new CD titled Blue Vision released in January 2022, is a musical collaboration between the two saxophonists, combining blues with classic jazz, soul, gospel, and modern swing." The duo leads a trio that features Adam Klipple on organ, Pete McCann on guitar, and Tony Jefferson on drums.

During the initial conversation about the album’s concept, Houston emphatically stated his mantra, “don’t forget the blues.” Blue Vision has the blues, and so much more. The album features seven songs, five of which are Eric Person’s original compositions. There are updated versions of “Dear Old Stockholm” and Billie Holiday’s classic “Lover Man” as well as a couple of blues numbers: “Blue Vision” and “Old Hat Feathers.” “Geri,” featuring Eric on soprano saxophone, is a wonderful dedication to the late pianist Geri Allen. “Soul Saturation” is pure soul, gospel grit, with gutsy sophistication. The final track, “No Doubt True Dat” is a fast, modern swing number that teeters on the edge and will take you with it.

Eric has been on the jazz scene since the early 80s. His diverse experiences include performing with such luminaries as McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland, Chico Hamilton, John Hicks, Wallace Roney, Vernon Reid, and many others. His eleven releases under his leadership emphasize his compositional talent, adventurous spirit, and versatility. His saxophones of choice are the alto and soprano saxophones.

Houston, an award-winning artist and major figure on the jazz scene since the early 60s, is definitely not foreign to collaborations. His work alongside the late vocalist Etta Jones is legendary. He has also performed and recorded with some of the best in the business such as Lena Horn, Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Johnny Hammond, and Joey DeFrancesco to name only a few. Houston is also featured on 130 recordings as a leader.