The Melody Lingers On

Houston Person's 2014 effort, The Melody Lingers On, is a romantic, laid-back set of songs showcasing the septuagenarian saxophonist. A journeyman artist with a bent toward swinging soul-jazz, Person has developed into something of an American treasure over the past 30 years. Since the '90s, Person has released a steady stream of standards albums, heavy on lyrical and blues-based songs that perfectly exploit his distinctive, burnished tenor drawl. The Melody Lingers On is no exception, featuring a set of songs heavily weighted toward an intimate, afterglow vibe centered on the warm sound of Person's saxophone. Backing the South Carolina-born tenor man this time is an equally superb handful of artists, including vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist Lafayette Harris, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Lewis Nash. Included here are such standards as "My Funny Valentine," "Gone Again," "Bewitched," and "They All Laughed." Person also digs deep into the R&B end of his career with a slow, vibrant take on the Otis Redding classic "Try a Little Tenderness." At 79 years young, with The Melody Lingers On Person continues his reign as one of the titans of the lush jazz tenor sound. ~ Matt Collar