Houston Person - a good live show?

[Jazz_Fellow]

Hi all. Houston Person is coming to play at my local jazz club in a few month's time. I'm not overly familiar with him (am currently on YouTube checking out his hits - any recommendations?) but his show caught my eye on the club's diary because they mention that he specialises in bop, swing and soul jazz. This is fairly unusual for my local club, as they seem to have more trad and New Orleans-style groups than anything else.

Just wanted to know if people have seem him live, and if so, is it worth seeing him? And what kind of band does he normally play with, as that bit hasn't been advertised. Thanks!

[HutchFan]

I'd go see him if I had the opportunity. But I've never seen him live, so I can't speak to that.

He's "old school," comparable to a guy like Stanley Turrentine; one of those guys that don't really recognize boundary lines between soul, R&B, and various types of jazz. He might not have the most sophisticated concept -- and that's perfectly fine. I can't imagine not enjoying his wonderful sound.

I have several of his records, all worth hearing. This one is probably my favorite:


Moment to Moment

In terms of records, Person often played with Hammond B3 organists. But I like him best with a straight-up piano/bass/drums rhythm section.

[walkin]

This one is great:

[jcam_44]

His duo's with Ron Carter are spectacular also. Just Between Friends being my favorite

[Buddha]

He's coming to Savannah Music Festival on March 28, sharing a billing with Rene Marie Quartet. I'm looking forward to seeing both Houston and Rene very much.

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by Buddha

He's coming to Savannah Music Festival on March 28, sharing a billing with Rene Marie Quartet. I'm looking forward to seeing both Houston and Rene very much.

Rene Marie is the real thing...and so is Houston when he's feeling it. I saw him first is a really small narrow bar that had wire on the windows ( yeah, that kind of neighborhood) with Etta Jones many years ago.

[Jazz_Fellow]

From what I've listened to so far, I'd be foolish not to go. Waiting till payday and then getting the tickets. Cheers for the help!

[Kevin Murray]

Holy shit!!! GO TO SEE HIM!!!!!!!! I took a master class from him at Stanford Jazz Workshop and he is full of soul. Every single note he plays is god-like, and his tone... He was telling us about playing over the blues form, and it turned into a jam... People sitting it with the band, and him taking long solos filled with great licks. I would say he's not that much of a bop-oriented player, he's more about the blues (at least when I saw him. Maybe because the masterclass was called "Blues 101" )

So yeah. Go see him, if he hasn't already played. Me and the cats at SJW were freaking out. He is the shit. Go see him. Again, go see him.

[Marcello]

It's ironic that he is playing here in my town soon but I'm not going. He's playing with a local keyboard player and drummer (no bass).

The keyboard player is so bad that I refuse to go and get upset. Too bad.

[Kevin Murray]

Originally Posted by Marcello

It's ironic that he is playing here in my town soon but I'm not going. He's playing with a local keyboard player and drummer (no bass).

The keyboard player is so bad that I refuse to go and get upset. Too bad.

Man, just go. He is such a beast!! He will blow your mind, for real. Even if there's a crap local player in the band, go to see him! It will not disappoint you..........