Eric Person

Rhythm Edge

Distinction

First of all, saxophonist and composer Eric Person is of no relation to elder Houston Person though the two have shared the stage together. Eric, by comparison, has certainly been under the radar but Rhythm Edge, originally issued in 2007 but recently re-mixed, re-mastered, and slightly trimmed down and with a new album cover, is his coming out party.  To be fair though, Rhythm Edge, is not Person’s debut, having issued  Live at Big Sur(CD Baby, 2003), Reflections (Distinction, 2005), and more recently, Blue Vision (Distinction, 2022).  Hailing from New York’s Hudson Valley, Person has honed his chops with the likes of Chico Hamilton, Dave Holland, the World Saxophone Quartet, and even briefly with the late McCoy Tyher and the avant rock guitarist Verson Reid.

Person penned and arranged all the compositions, played the full array of alto, tenor, soprano saxophone, and flute. He invited several high profile guests to join his Meta-Four Quartet. On trumpet is the fiery Ingrid Jensen (now with the  all-female group, Artemis), renowned trombonist Robin Eubanks and percussionist Daniel Sandownick along with electric guitarist Cary DeNigris. His Meta-Four rhythm section is pianist Jared Kashkin, bassist Adam Armstrong, and drummer Peter O’Brien.

In almost seventy minutes of fourteen compositions Person leads his ensemble through high octane post bop,  giving ample room to the soloists as he makes his own distinctive statements. This is mostly straight-ahead jazz just the way we like with with brisk tempos, combustible solos,  wide ranging harmonic palettes, and just enough infusion of contemporary touches.  Kicking off is an ode to the late pianist, “Tyner Town” which naturally gives free rain to pianist Kashkin who sets the foundation for bristling solos from Jensen and Person on soprano.  This is representative of how Person moves through the  album, generously sharing the spotlight with his guests and close collaborators. The exclamatory “The Multitudes” features all three horns in unison and contrapuntal lines with Person on his favored alto, soon yielding the floor to Eubanks and later Kashkin in a tribute to the survivors of Katrina (remember this was originally recorded in 2007). O’Brien is also quite impressive on the drum kit.  The high energy recedes briefly for deep, gutsy blues in “Majestic Taureen Majesty,” a feature for both Person and bassist Armstrong.

The sonics for “I’ll Be Just Fine” send a jolt, thinking maybe we have a different album via the funk fueled electric piano, and guitar stylings of DeNigris. “Beauty” is a delectable ballad featuring Person’s pure toned alto and later soprano with sturdy basslines from Armstrong as Kashkin remains on the electric piano as he does through the slow grooving, tricky rhythms of “Reach,’ comping solidly for Person’s soaring alto. The title track plays to an Afro-Cuban beat with Sandownick percolating along with O’Brien to underpin the unison lines of the three horns, with Person once again taking flight.

”It’s Time Again” returns to the acoustic side, with sparkling unison front line passages, and Person mightily wielding his horn, passing the baton to the white hot Jensen, and a churning turn from Kashkin.  While expecting an explosive finale, the tune just fades and disappointingly ends abruptly.  The group evokes a CTI-like sound with the electric piano and guitar comping behind the three horns trading lines in “Supersonic” where again Jensen outdoes herself. “Pendulum Swing” shows Person’s facility for composing highly engaging post bop compositions as Person soars Bird-like to the effective accompaniment of Kashkin and Eubanks.  “Sunset” is another strong ballad while closer, the mid tempo “Pretty Strange Love” shows the full ensemble with Person on tenor delivering one of his most emotive statements.

Featuring flat-out dynamic playing from all, Rhythm Edge consistently delivers dynamic power, showcasing Person’s skill as musician, composer, arranger, and bandleader, more than deserving of a re-issue.  The second one may prove a charm.

– Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter