By: Rudy Lu
Eric Person is an well regarded woodwind artist and composer. He moved to NYC in 1982 and played with Chico Hamilton on and off during the 80s and 90s. His resume also includes time with mainstream artists McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland and Wallace Roney as well as those outsiders Vernon Reid, Ronald Shannon Jackson and the World Saxophone Quartet.
This evening’ performance was primarily mainstream and as Eric said in the notes of his last release “Always Remember the Blues”.
1st Set
A matter of fact the first 2 numbers were blues inflected, “Old Hat Feather was the opener. An insistent shuffle beat was the backbone of this tune. Eric Person opening with the melody on saxophone followed by Chuck Lamb expanding on the piano with virtuosic themes. This was followed by “CL Blues” a Chuck Lamb composition with complex themes that Eric expanded upon with his soprano sax.
The upbeat “Pershing Square” followed, this tune was inspired by the hustle and bustle of the square located between East 41st and 42nd at Park Ave. A cheery tune, one can picture pedestrians and vehicles moving in a colorful pastiche with all the instruments taking a role.
The pace was slowed with the Tadd Dameron ballad “If You Could Me Now”. Tarik Shah playing that melodic bass that he is well noted now.
“Pendulum Swing” was as described. A swinging tune that swung faster and heavier as it went on, featured a drum solo by Darrell Green.
2nd set
The title track from Eric’s latest recording “Blue Vision”. An angular composition with it.
“Mose Knows” followed . A blues with a steady beat.
A Chuck Lamb original with out a permanent title followed. “Home Field”?
Early bebop was tapped for a beautiful ballad by Tadd Dameron “If You Could See Me Now”.
The set closed with a barn burning version of McCoy Tyner’s “Three Flowers”. This song started with a moderate swing, The chorus was repeated with increasing speed with all given a chance to solo.Darrell Green’s crashing cymbals were a climax to the piece. An exciting ending to an exciting evening of music.
To follow Eric Person and purchase his recordings follow http://www.ericperson.com.
Drummer Darrell Green will be appearing with Camille Thurman at the Falcon on April 26.
Caffe Lena’s next Jazz performance will be on 4.30 with young guitar phenomenon Charlie Ballantyne. Follow www.caffelena.org for details.
