In his mid-seventies at the time of this record date, tenor saxophonist
Houston Person shows no signs of slowing down; he's accompanied here by musicians who are, for the most part, at least a generation younger.
Person's lush tone is a major part of the standards of the date, including a dreamy "I Cover the Waterfront" and a snappy "Moment to Moment."
Person is so lyrical in "Don't Take Your Love from Me" one can easily imagine the late vocalist
Etta Jones singing softly along with his horn. Trumpeter
Terell Stafford proves to be an excellent foil for the veteran, especially in the driving setting of
Person's hard bop vehicle "Bleeker Street," while his
Louis Armstrong-accented playing in the laid-back blues "Back in New Orleans" nearly steals the show. While alto sax great
Phil Woods is widely known for adding the trademark solo to the original version of rock pianist
Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are,"
Person offers a more breezy interpretation, sharing a delightful musical conversation with
Stafford. The outstanding rhythm section includes previous collaborators such as pianist
John Di Martino and bassist
Ray Drummond, in addition to guitarist
Randy Johnston and drummer
Willie Jones III. ~ Ken Dryden