Moment To Moment

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