Houston Person -

Houston Person (born Nov. 10, 1934) is an American post-bop/jazz-funk tenor saxophonist and record producer from Florence, SC. His catalog runs from Prestige to HighNote, alongside work as Etta Jones’s accompanist and producer.

Background

Person grew up in Florence, where his mother played piano and started him on lessons. He took up tenor saxophone at seventeen and studied at South Carolina State College. Military service took him to West Germany, where he stayed outside the service band to work weekend jobs. Person met Cedar Walton and Eddie Harris on those dates, along with Leo Wright and Lanny Morgan.

Back in the United States, he entered Hartt College in Hartford. Organist Johnny “Hammond” Smith then hired him for road work and Prestige sessions, including Mr. Wonderful and A Little Taste. Person also appeared on The Stinger before producer Cal Lampley brought him to Van Gelder Studio for a June 1966 leader date.

Underground Soul!

Houston Person released his debut album, Underground Soul!, in 1966 on Prestige.

Organist Charles Boston supports Person in a quartet with trombonist Mark Levine and drummer Frank Jones. The two front-line players supply the original material within a repertory of standards and current songs.

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” waltzes through an intricate chart and paired horn solos. “Underground Soul” simmers through economical phrases across shared solo space. “The Pimp” stalks an exotic theme, passing solos over broad chords before a closing riff.

“Aleilula” threads Latin extensions through expanding solos. “Ballin’” lopes through a vampish blues as Person and Levine interweave across chord changes. “If You Could See Me Now” lingers through intricate tenor-trombone interplay before Person takes a major solo. “Strike Up the Band” surges through fiery chord work toward an organ-led ensemble climax.

A1. “What the World Needs Now Is Love” (3:55) – Burt Bacharach, Hal David
A2. “Underground Soul” (5:45) – Person
A3. “The Pimp” (3:45) – Person
A4. “Tears” (3:45) – Mark Levine

B1. “Aleilula” (4:10) – Edu Lobo, Ruy Guerra
B2. “Ballin’” (5:50) – Danny Wright
B3. “If You Could See Me Now” (4:25) – Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman
B4. “Strike Up the Band” (3:00) – George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Person recorded Underground Soul! on June 16, 1966, at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs with producer Cal Lampley and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Lampley also supervised current Prestige albums by Eric Kloss and Eddie Daniels; Van Gelder recorded nearby label dates for Johnny “Hammond” Smith and Don Patterson.

The original sleeve places Person among broken stone with his tenor at his side.

Chocomotive

Houston Person released his second album, Chocomotive, in 1967 on Prestige.

Pianist Cedar Walton replaces the organ format and contributes the title piece and “Close Quarters.” Vibraphonist Alan Dawson joins bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Frank Jones in the revised quintet.

“Chocomotive” barrels from a sustained press roll through a brisk bass solo to Person’s return. “You’re Gonna Hear From Me” lingers through an expressive ballad reading. “Girl Talk” glides through ballad phrasing on Person’s tenor. “Since I Fell for You” wails through blues-saturated lines and tonal grit over Walton’s piano solo with vibraphone asides. “Up, Up and Away” swings through an instrumental recast on a Latin beat.

A1. “Chocomotive” (7:48) – Cedar Walton
A2. “You’re Gonna Hear from Me” (3:48) – André Previn, Dory Previn
A3. “Close Quarters” (7:39) – Walton
A4. “Girl Talk” (3:38) – Neal Hefti, Bobby Troup

B1. “Since I Fell for You” (8:32) – Buddy Johnson
B2. “Up, Up and Away” (4:45) – Jimmy Webb
B3. “More” (8:15) – Riz Ortolani, Nino Oliviero

Don Schlitten produced the June 14, 1967 New York session with engineer Richard Alderson. The engineer divided his studio work between Prestige dates and ESP-Disk recordings by Albert Ayler and the Fugs.

Schlitten’s cover photograph places a close portrait beneath block lettering. He also photographed current Prestige packages for Cedar Walton and Pat Martino.

Trust in Me

Houston Person released his third album, Trust in Me, in 1967 on Prestige.

Walton remains at piano, while bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Lenny McBrowne replace the prior rhythm section. Conga player Ralph Dorsey expands the revised quintet.

“One Mint Julep” darts through brisk blues figures as Walton adds compact piano interjections. “Hey There” simmers through Latin-inflected accompaniment and measured tenor phrases.

A1. “One Mint Julep” (5:27) – Rudy Toombs
A2. “Trust in Me” (4:57) – Milton Ager, Arthur Schwartz, Ned Wever
A3. “Hey There” (5:11) – Richard Adler, Jerry Ross

B1. “My Little Suede Shoes” (4:24) – Charlie Parker
B2. “That Old Black Magic” (6:09) – Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
B3. “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” (6:31) – traditional
B4. “The Second Time Around” (5:49) – Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen

Person recorded Trust in Me in New York on October 13, 1967, with producer Don Schlitten and engineer Richard Alderson. Their second session retained the production and engineering arrangement established on Chocomotive.

Don Schlitten supplied the cover photograph, which divides a close portrait across four saturated color fields. He retained the producer-photographer role from Chocomotive.

Blue Odyssey

Houston Person released his fourth album, Blue Odyssey, in 1968 on Prestige.

Trombonist Curtis Fuller and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams expand the front line beside Person. Walton returns with bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Frank Jones beneath the three-horn lineup.

“Blue Odyssey” charges from a rail-driven opening. “Holy Land” swings through earthy horn statements and rhapsodic piano fills between breaks. “I Love You, Yes I Do” unfurls in Person’s full-bodied tenor. “Funky London” smokes through Walton’s workout and Cranshaw’s brisk solo before Fuller and Adams take successive turns.

A1. “Blue Odyssey” (7:42) – Cedar Walton
A2. “Holy Land” (6:45) – Walton
A3. “I Love You Yes I Do” (3:45) – Henry Glover, Sally Nix

B1. “Funky London” (4:53) – Cal Massey
B2. “Please Send Me Someone to Love” (7:14) – Percy Mayfield
B3. “Starrburst” (6:09) – Ellen Starr

Person recorded Blue Odyssey in New York on March 12, 1968, with producer Don Schlitten and engineer Richard Alderson. Their third session added Curtis Fuller and Pepper Adams from the producer’s wider Prestige roster.

Schlitten photographed Person for a blue multiple-exposure profile treatment. He also supplied contemporary cover images for Charles Kynard and Pat Martino.

Soul Dance!

Houston Person released his fifth album, Soul Dance!, in 1969 on Prestige.

Organist Billy Gardner returns Person to the quartet format after two piano-led sessions. Guitarist Joe Jones and drummer Frankie Jones complete the group.

“Snake Eyes” strides through swinging blues with articulate tenor lines and full-bodied accompaniment. “Never Let Me Go” drifts through measured phrases as Jones adds sparse single-note replies. “Groovin’ and A-Groovin’” lopes through gritty blues figures and brief guitar spotlights. “What a Diff’rence a Day Made” lingers over sensitive tenor phrases and restrained replies. “Soul Dance” rolls through compact blues figures and short solo turns.

A1. “Snake Eyes” (5:22) – Person
A2. “Never Let Me Go” (4:55) – Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
A3. “Groovin’ and A-Groovin’” (5:04) – Person
A4. “What a Diff’rence a Day Made” (5:57) – María Grever, Stanley Adams

B1. “Soul Dance” (3:58) – Person
B2. “Here’s That Rainy Day” (6:03) – Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen
B3. “Teardrops from My Eyes” (4:58) – Rudy Toombs
B4. “Blue Seven” (5:26) – Sonny Rollins

Person recorded the album on November 18, 1968, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Bob Porter and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Porter entered the partnership through Prestige work with Charles Earland and Boogaloo Joe Jones, while Van Gelder also handled current label sessions by Pat Martino and Harold Mabern.

The original sleeve sets a full-length dancer against a green field beside a cropped image of Person.

Prestige issued “Soul Dance” as a 1969 single (b/w “Snake Eyes”).

Goodness!

Houston Person released his sixth album, Goodness!, in 1969 on Prestige.

Sonny Phillips replaces Gardner at organ and contributes “Jamilah.” Guitarist Billy Butler joins electric bassist Bob Bushnell, drummer Frankie Jones, and conga player Buddy Caldwell in the enlarged group.

“Hey Driver!” bounces through a bright boogaloo. “Goodness” saunters through a walking blues as congas guide Person’s long, loose solo. “Brother H.” shuffles through B-flat blues figures. “Hard Times” swells through broad, full-bodied tenor phrases. “Jamilah” lopes through a measured boogaloo. “Close Your Eyes” glides from Butler’s guitar statement into Person’s counterlines.

A1. “Hey Driver!” (5:28) – Gloria Coleman
A2. “Goodness” (9:28) – Person
A3. “Brother H.” (4:36) – Person

B1. “Hard Times” (6:16) – Paul Mitchell
B2. “Jamilah” (5:33) – Sonny Phillips
B3. “Close Your Eyes” (6:30) – Chuck Willis

Person recorded Goodness! on August 25, 1969, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Bob Porter and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. The same team also worked on current Prestige albums by Rusty Bryant and Charles Earland.

Photographer Al Johnson supplied the cover image, which renders Person in purple and teal against red and yellow fields. Johnson later photographed Person to Person! and contributed rear-cover work to Houston Express.

Truth!

Houston Person released his seventh album, Truth!, in 1970 on Prestige.

Phillips, Butler, Bushnell, Frankie Jones, and Caldwell return from Goodness!. Six extended selections replace the compact sequence of the preceding album.

“Cissy Strut” churns through wah-wah figures and a repeating riff as Person stretches into bright upper-register cries. “On the Avenue” broods over conga accents as Person bends slow, desolate phrases around Butler’s spare guitar replies. “The Pulpit” testifies through pleading lines, restrained organ chords, and a heated late passage. “For Your Love” creeps through delicate phrases and barely stated chordal support.

A1. “Cissy Strut” (8:35) – George Porter Jr., Ziggy Modeliste, Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli
A2. “On the Avenue” (9:30) – Ben Dixon
A3. “If I Ruled the World” (3:22) – Leslie Bricusse, Cyril Ornadel

B1. “Wadin’” (8:40) – Horace Parlan
B2. “The Pulpit” (5:03) – Sonny Phillips
B3. “For Your Love” (5:20) – Ed Townsend

Person recorded Truth! on February 23, 1970, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Bob Porter and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Their fourth consecutive album session retained the Englewood Cliffs production arrangement.

Don Schlitten supplied the cover photograph, which places Person and an upright tenor against a deep blue field beneath a pink title. His contemporary Prestige photography also appears on packages for Sonny Criss and Pat Martino.

Fantasy paired Truth! with Soul Dance! for a 1999 Legends of Acid Jazz compact disc.

Person to Person!

Houston Person released his eighth album, Person to Person!, in 1970 on Prestige.

Trumpeter Virgil Jones joins Person above an organ group led by Phillips. Guitarist Grant Green, electric bassist Jimmy Lewis, drummer Idris Muhammad, and conga player Caldwell complete the principal lineup.

“Close to You” swings through an incisive ensemble recast and earthy tenor phrases. “Drown in My Own Tears” deepens into grainy tenor lines. “Up at Joe’s, Down at Jim’s” strides through a hard-swinging ensemble chart. “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” turns borrowed material into taut, original ensemble figures.

A1. “The Son of Man” (8:30) – Harold Ousley
A2. “Teardrops” (4:35) – Bunny Biggs
A3. “Close to You” (5:15) – Burt Bacharach, Hal David

B1. “Drown in My Own Tears” (7:15) – Henry Glover
B2. “Up at Joe’s, Down at Jim’s” (8:45) – Person
B3. “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” (4:30) – Brian Wells, Ron Miller

Person recorded Person to Person! on October 12, 1970, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Bob Porter and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Grant Green and Idris Muhammad entered the date from current Prestige sessions handled through the same room.

Al Johnson photographed the cover, which captures Person in performance within a pale border and warm tonal treatment. Johnson continued from Goodness! and later supplied rear-cover photography for Houston Express.

Fantasy coupled Person to Person! with Houston Express on a 1996 Legends of Acid Jazz compact disc.

Houston Express

Houston Person released his ninth album, Houston Express, in 1971 on Prestige.

Arranger Horace Ott expands the studio group with brass and reeds. Keyboardists Jimmy Watson and Paul Griffin join guitarist Billy Butler, bassist Jerry Jemmott, drummer Bernard Purdie, and percussionist Buddy Caldwell beneath the ensemble charts.

“Young, Gifted and Black” swings through a disciplined Horace Ott chart and incisive tenor phrases. “The Houston Express” charges across tightly ordered ensemble figures and a stinging lead. “Just My Imagination” unfurls through an original recast with earthy horn phrasing. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” broadens through a disciplined brass chart.

A1. “Young, Gifted and Black” (5:15) – Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine
A2. “The Houston Express” (5:48) – Horace Ott
A3. “Enjoy” (4:55) – Ott
A4. “Give More Power to the People” (3:40) – Eugene Record

B1. “Chains of Love” (7:30) – Ahmet Ertegun
B2. “Just My Imagination” (5:35) – Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
B3. “Lift Every Voice” (5:40) – James Weldon Johnson, John Rosamond Johnson

Person recorded Houston Express on April 8 and 9, 1971, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Bob Porter and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Horace Ott arranged and conducted the expanded dates after contemporary work with Nina Simone and Marlena Shaw; Porter also supervised current Prestige sessions by Bernard Purdie and Charles Earland.

Art director Tony Lane built the sleeve around Al Johnson’s rear-cover photography and a painted locomotive image. Lane worked across contemporary Columbia and Prestige packages, while Johnson continued the portrait line from Person’s preceding albums.

Fantasy restored the album beside Person to Person! on the 1996 Legends of Acid Jazz compact disc.

Broken Windows, Empty Hallways

Houston Person released his tenth album, Broken Windows, Empty Hallways, in 1972 on Prestige.

Billy Ver Planck arranges a large studio cast with brass, reeds, strings, and rhythm section. Tap dancer Bunny Briggs appears on “Moan Er-Uh Lisa.”

“Don’t Mess with Bill” sways through a soul-rooted reading. “Mr. Bojangles” steps through Bunny Briggs’s tap figures. “Imagine” lingers near melody line in a direct statement.

A1. “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” (5:53) – Randy Newman
A2. “Don’t Mess with Bill” (3:00) – Smokey Robinson
A3. “Everything’s Alright” (4:18) – Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber
A4. “Mr. Bojangles” (3:52) – Jerry Jeff Walker

B1. “Moan Er-Uh Lisa” (6:11) – Person
B2. “Imagine” (3:52) – John Lennon
B3. “Let’s Call This” (4:03) – Thelonious Monk
B4. “Bleecker Street” (4:03) – Person

Person recorded the album on May 1, 1972, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Ozzie Cadena and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Cadena brought Prestige credits with Gene Ammons and Shirley Scott, while Billy Ver Planck also arranged contemporary sessions for Etta Jones.

Lee Friedlander supplied the cover photograph, which places Person behind shattered glass with his tenor and red sweater visible through the broken pane. His recent label work also included Miles Davis’s In a Silent Way for Columbia.

Sweet Buns & Barbeque

Houston Person released his eleventh album, Sweet Buns & Barbeque, in 1973 on Prestige.

Two studio groups divide the program. Pianist Richard Tee, guitarist Joe Beck, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Grady Tate support the September date. Bassist George Duvivier and drummer Bernard Purdie join Beck for the November material under Billy Ver Planck’s horn arrangements. “A Song for You” unfurls in a restrained tenor reading.

A1. “A Song for You” (4:35) – Leon Russell
A2. “The Trouble with Hello Is Goodbye” (4:00) – Dave Grusin, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman
A3. “Scared to Be Alone” (4:20) – Dory Previn
A4. “Sweet Buns and Barbeque” (3:05) – Person, Billy Ver Planck

B1. “This Masquerade” (6:20) – Russell
B2. “Down Here on the Ground” (3:45) – Gale Garnett, Lalo Schifrin
B3. “Put It Where You Want It” (3:10) – Joe Sample
B4. “Groove Thang” (3:00) – Johnny Bristol

Person recorded the album on September 11 and November 7, 1972, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Ozzie Cadena and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Cadena retained Billy Ver Planck from Broken Windows, Empty Hallways; Van Gelder also handled current Prestige dates by Gene Ammons and Charles Earland.

Tony Lane directed the package and supplied the cover photography. The sleeve places a small portrait above the rounded title treatment; Lane also directed the preceding Houston Express package.

Houston Person ’75

Houston Person released Houston Person ’75 in 1975 on Westbound.

Ed Nuccilli and Jimmy Roach place Person within Detroit horn and string arrangements. Etta Jones takes the sole vocal feature on “He’ll Fight My Battles.”

“Gold in My Ear” smolders through slow, sultry phrases. “500 Gin Rummy” sparkles through dancefloor figures and smooth tenor lines. “Funky Sunday Afternoon” broods through moody, blues-rooted phrases. “A Touch of Bad Stuff” prowls through crime-score accents and tightly ordered ensemble figures. “All in Love Is Fair” lingers through satin-lined romantic phrases. “He’ll Fight My Battles” testifies through Etta Jones’s lead and Person’s replies.

A1. “I Like to Live the Love” (3:51) – Dave Crawford, Charles Mann
A2. “What It Is” (2:24) – Belda Baine, Louis Crane
A3. “Shotgun” (2:26) – Autry DeWalt
A4. “Mayola” (4:03) – Baine, Crane
A5. “Gold in My Ear” (2:59) – Baine, Crane

B1. “500 Gin Rummy” (3:26) – Baine, Crane, Jimmy Scott
B2. “Funky Sunday Afternoon” (3:25) – Baine, Crane
B3. “A Touch of Bad Stuff” (4:35) – Baine, Crane, Jimmy Roach
B4. “All in Love Is Fair” (6:51) – Stevie Wonder
B5. “He’ll Fight My Battles” (3:35) – Delores Williams

Person recorded the album in Detroit with co-producer Bernard Mendelson and engineer Ken Sands. Mendelson also produced a selection on Spanky Wilson’s Specialty of the House; Sands shared engineering on the same 1975 Westbound release.

The Westbound sleeve uses a direct color portrait beneath metallic display lettering.

Ace paired Houston Person ’75 with Get Out’a My Way! on a 2014 Westbound compact disc.

Get Out’a My Way!

Houston Person released Get Out’a My Way! in 1975 on Westbound.

Jimmy Roach arranges and conducts the Detroit studio group. John Trudell directs the horns, while Carl Austin handles the strings.

“Disco Sax” hustles through a repeated group chant and polished dance beat. “Soul Samba” sways through Latin accents and a dance-oriented chart. “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Funky Song” struts through fuzz-toned guitar figures before easing into smoother phrases. “My Way” lingers through smooth, sensual phrases.

“For the Love of You” glides through polished romantic phrases. “Forever in Love” drifts through spacious romantic phrases. “Spread It” jolts through irregular accents and cooing responses. “How Vicious” closes around Person’s solo and animated ensemble replies.

A1. “Disco Sax” (3:43) – Jimmy Roach
A2. “Soul Samba” (3:01) – Ann Roach
A3. “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Funky Song” (2:42) – Jimmy Roach
A4. “My Way” (2:42) – Paul Anka, Claude François, Jacques Revaux

B1. “For the Love of You” (5:05) – Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Chris Jasper
B2. “Forever in Love” (5:42) – Ann Roach
B3. “Spread It” (3:08) – Baine, Crane, Jimmy Roach
B4. “How Vicious” (2:59) – Baine, Crane

Person and Mendelson produced the Pac Three sessions. Studio owner Richard Becker recorded the album; Ken Sands continued from Houston Person ’75 to mix the masters.

Glynn Chisholm designed the package around Edward R. Petrere’s cover photograph. Both retained the same roles on the Fantastic Four’s Night People for Westbound.

Ace reissued the album with Houston Person ’75 on the 2014 Westbound compact disc.

Pure Pleasure

Houston Person released Pure Pleasure in 1976 on Mercury.

Jimmy Roach arranges and conducts a New York studio cast that includes trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, keyboardist Paul Griffin, guitarist Bruce Nazarian, bassist Bob Babbitt, and drummer Allan Schwartzberg. Patti Austin, Vivian Cherry, and Gwen Guthrie supply the principal chorus parts.

“Pure Pleasure” strolls through an extended, polished dance arrangement. “Dancing Feet” springs through varied sections before an echoplexed tenor send-off. “Inseparable” lingers in a tailored ballad reading with Person’s robust phrasing.

A1. “Pure Pleasure” (9:15)
A2. “Déjà Vu” (6:36) – Ann Roach

B1. “Dancing Feet” (6:52)
B2. “Soul Serenade” (6:11) – Luther Dixon, Curtis Ousley
B3. “Inseparable” (5:34) – Chuck Jackson, Marvin Yancy

Person recorded Pure Pleasure from June 14 through 17, 1976, at Blue Rock Studio in New York and co-produced the album with Jimmy Roach and Robin McBride. Eddie Korvin engineered the sessions after work on Pat Martino’s Exit at the same studio earlier that year.

Jim Schubert directed the art package, and Columbia staff photographer Don Hunstein supplied the cover portrait. Hunstein also photographed current sleeves for Jaco Pastorius and Brass Construction II.

Mercury issued edited versions of “Dancing Feet” and “Soul Serenade” as singles. “Inseparable” also appeared as a single backed with “Dancing Feet.”

Harmony

Houston Person released Harmony in 1977 on Mercury.

Horace Ott expands the arrangements with horns, strings, keyboards, and chorus parts. Ott places Bruce Johnston’s “I Write the Songs” and Fela Kuti’s “I No Get Eye for Back” within the five-track set.

“Harmony, Perfect Harmony” lingers over reflective phrases before a swinging vibraphone solo. “Do It While You Can” glides through light dance figures. “I Write the Songs” swells through broad tenor statements beneath Horace Ott’s layered chart. “I No Get Eye for Back” charges from a break into an extended lead over pumping big-band figures. “Love Is All We Need” bounces through buoyant ensemble accents.

A1. “Harmony, Perfect Harmony” (7:46)
A2. “Do It While You Can” (5:14)
A3. “I Write the Songs” (4:50) – Bruce Johnston

B1. “I No Get Eye for Back” (11:27) – Fela Kuti
B2. “Love Is All We Need” (8:32)

Person recorded Harmony at Blue Rock Studio in New York in March 1977 and co-produced the album with Robin McBride. Eddie Korvin engineered the sessions, while Horace Ott arranged and conducted the expanded group.

Maurer Productions assembled the package around photography by Tony DeStefano. The cover places Person in a white suit against a dark studio field beneath a pale title.

Wild Flower

Houston Person released Wild Flower in 1978 on Muse.

Person returns to an organ-based sextet with organist Sonny Phillips and drummer Idris Muhammad. Trumpeter Bill Hardman, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, and percussionist Lawrence Killian complete the group.

“Preachin’ and Teachin’” struts through a firm dance figure and growling tenor phrases. “Dameron” lingers through ballad phrases with organ support beneath Person’s declamatory lead.

A1. “Preachin’ and Teachin’” (7:40) – Sonny Phillips
A2. “Dameron” (7:30) – Tadd Dameron
A3. “Wildflower” (6:50) – Doug Edwards, Dave Richardson

B1. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (6:00) – Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf
B2. “My Romance” (5:30) – Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart

Person recorded Wild Flower on September 12, 1977, at Van Gelder Studio and produced the date with engineer Rudy Van Gelder. The session restored the Englewood Cliffs partnership after the Detroit and New York crossover albums, while Van Gelder also recorded current Muse work by Phillips and Ponder.

Hal Wilson designed and photographed the cover, which places Person among flowering branches. Wilson also directed the contemporary Muse package for Stolen Sweets and retained a recurring visual role across the label.

The Nearness of You

Houston Person released The Nearness of You in 1978 on Muse.

Trumpeter Virgil Jones joins guitarist Melvin Sparks and organist Charles Earland above a rhythm section of bassist Mervyn Bronson, drummer Grady Tate, and percussionist Lawrence Killian. Sonny Phillips adds electric piano, while Ella Johnson sings “Please Mr. Person.”

“Pretty Please” glides through flowing electric-piano lines and mellow tenor phrases. “Please Mr. Person” testifies through Etta Jones’s blues reading.

A1. “Pretty Please” (8:00) – Harold Ousley
A2. “Please Mr. Person” (4:38) – Buddy Johnson
A3. “I Hope I Can Love Again” (5:00) – Ousley

B1. “Freddie Freeloader” (5:29) – Miles Davis
B2. “Nearness” (4:59) – Hoagy Carmichael, Ned Washington
B3. “Mean to Me” (5:18) – Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk

For the November 1977 sessions, Person returned to Van Gelder Studio and produced the album with engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Earland and Sparks reconnected the date with Person’s Prestige associations, while Tate returned from Sweet Buns & Barbeque.

Hal Wilson directed the sleeve around a close portrait of Person. Wilson retained the visual role from Wild Flower across the two Muse releases.

Suspicions

Houston Person released Suspicions in 1980 on Muse.

Virgil Jones returns beside guitarist Melvin Sparks and organist Sonny Phillips. Horace Ott arranges the expanded group around bassist Wilbur Bascomb, drummer Idris Muhammad, and percussionist Ralph Dorsey.

“Suspicions” strides through Horace Ott’s rhythmic chart under Person’s broad lead. “If” unfolds in full-bodied phrases. “Blue Monk” unfurls through a robust tenor statement.

A1. “Suspicions” (5:26) – Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy, Randy McCormick, Even Stevens
A2. “If” (3:55) – David Gates
A3. “Me & Me Brudder” (3:25) – Sonny Phillips
A4. “Pieces” (5:07) – Horace Ott

B1. “Blue Monk” (8:42) – Thelonious Monk
B2. “This Bitter Earth” (4:44) – Clyde Otis
B3. “Let’s Love Again” (4:58) – Ott

Person recorded Suspicions on April 24, 1980, at Van Gelder Studio and produced the album with engineer Rudy Van Gelder. He also produced current Muse dates for Richard “Groove” Holmes and Johnny Lytle.

The sleeve uses a seated portrait against a pale studio background.

Road Warriors

Les McCann and Houston Person released Road Warriors in 1984 on Greene Street.

McCann plays keyboards and sings beside Person, with trumpeter Bobby Bryant and guitarist Lou Volpe in the front-line cast. Bassist Gary King, drummer Buddy Williams, and percussionist Richard Malcolm supply the principal rhythm section.

A1. “Road Warriors” (5:00)
A2. “The Longer You Wait” (10:45)

B1. “Pearl” (6:00)
B2. “Volkswagen Blues” (4:09)
B3. “Hold My Hand” (9:50)

McCann and Person recorded the album on May 18, 19, and 29, 1984, at Van Gelder Studio with producer Creed Taylor and engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Greene Street returned to the room for Roger Kellaway’s Creation, which also featured Person, later that year.

Blake Taylor designed the sleeve around Eric Meola’s cover photograph. McCann supplied additional liner photography, while Meola entered the assignment after joining the Image Bank photo agency.

Always on My Mind

Houston Person released Always on My Mind in 1986 on Muse.

Organist David Braham and keyboardist Ted Brancato divide the harmonic roles. Bassist Wilbur Bascomb, drummer Bernard Purdie, and percussionist Ralph Dorsey complete the compact studio group.

“I Can’t Help Myself” bounces through buoyant keyboard figures beneath simple, broad phrases. “Endlessly” circles over a light electric-bass pattern as Person pares improvisation to spare statements. “Cutie Pie” skips across a two-chord figure with terse tenor interjections. “Always on My Mind” unfurls through earthy backing and full-bodied lines.

A1. “I Can’t Help Myself” (4:30) – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland
A2. “Always on My Mind” (5:28) – Johnny Christopher, Mark James, Wayne Carson
A3. “Endlessly” (7:08) – Brook Benton, Clyde Otis

B1. “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” (6:14) – Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman
B2. “Cutie Pie” (5:35) – Al Hudson, Dave Roberson, George Morgan, Corky Meadows, Terence Dudley
B3. “It Might Be You” (5:58) – Dave Grusin, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman

Person recorded the album on September 3, 1985, at Sound Heights in Brooklyn and produced the session amid Muse projects for Etta Jones and Johnny Lytle.

Muse presents a close color portrait beneath a cursive title.

The Talk of the Town

Houston Person released The Talk of the Town in 1987 on Muse.

Trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater joins pianist Stan Hope, bassist Buster Williams, drummer Grady Tate, and percussionist Ralph Dorsey in an acoustic sextet. Bridgewater also contributes “Just for You.”

“It’s the Talk of the Town” smolders through blues-steeped phrases over piano accompaniment.

A1. “Only Trust Your Heart” (7:26) – Benny Carter, Sammy Cahn
A2. “Everything Happens to Me” (6:07) – Matt Dennis, Tom Adair
A3. “Almost Like Being in Love” (6:53) – Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner

B1. “It’s the Talk of the Town” (7:25) – Jerry Livingston, Al J. Neiburg, Marty Symes
B2. “Just for You” (4:18) – Cecil Bridgewater
B3. “I’ll Never Be Free” (7:30) – Bennie Benjamin, George David Weiss

Person recorded the album on January 23, 1987, at Van Gelder Studio and produced the date with engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Bridgewater entered from current Muse and Theresa sessions, while Van Gelder resumed the engineering partnership after the Brooklyn-recorded predecessor.

Dick Smith directed the package around Hugh Bell’s cover photograph. Bell also photographed Muse sleeves for Person’s The Big Horn and Heavy Juice, giving the later catalog a recurring portrait style.

Something in Common

Houston Person and Ron Carter released Something in Common in 1990 on Muse.

Carter supplies the sole accompaniment across eight standards and jazz compositions. Valery Ponomarev contributes the only new piece, “Blues for Two.”

A1. “Once in a While” (7:07) – Michael Edwards, Bud Green
A2. “Anthropology” (6:02) – Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker
A3. “Blues for Two” (8:42) – Valery Ponomarev
A4. “Mack the Knife” (6:22) – Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht

B1. “Joy Spring” (5:37) – Clifford Brown
B2. “Blue Seven” (5:57) – Sonny Rollins
B3. “I Thought About You” (3:48) – Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Mercer
B4. “Good Morning Heartache” (7:26) – Irene Higginbotham, Ervin Drake, Dan Fisher

Person and Carter recorded the album on February 23, 1989, at Van Gelder Studio. Both musicians produced the date with engineer Rudy Van Gelder, who continued the Muse sequence established across Person’s leader sessions.

Richard Laird photographed Person and Carter together for the cover. The assignment preceded his portrait credit on Why Not! in the next Muse sequence.

Now’s the Time

Houston Person and Ron Carter released Now’s the Time in 1990 on Muse.

Carter returns for a second duo program and contributes “Einbahnstrasse” and “Little Waltz.” The remaining selections draw on songs by Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron, and Antônio Carlos Jobim.

“Bemsha Swing” pivots through harmonic exchanges as Person and Carter trade contoured phrases. “Einbahnstrasse” skips across playful altered-blues figures over Carter’s firm foundation. “Memories of You” broods through heartfelt, gutbucket phrases. “Quiet Nights” bounces over Carter’s springing bass line. “Now’s the Time” swings through shifting chord changes while Carter sketches spare replies behind Person.

A1. “Bemsha Swing” (5:25) – Thelonious Monk, Denzil Best
A2. “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” (5:09) – Tommy Wolf, Fran Landesman
A3. “Einbahnstrasse” (5:03) – Ron Carter
A4. “Memories of You” (4:55) – Eubie Blake, Andy Razaf

B1. “Quiet Nights” (6:47) – Antônio Carlos Jobim
B2. “If You Could See Me Now” (6:38) – Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman
B3. “Now’s the Time” (3:50) – Charlie Parker
B4. “Since I Fell for You” (7:11) – Buddy Johnson
B5. “Little Waltz” (3:35) – Carter

Person and Carter recorded Now’s the Time on January 6, 1990, at Van Gelder Studio. The saxophonist produced the album with engineer Rudy Van Gelder, retaining the same room and duo setup used for Something in Common.

Hal Wilson designed and photographed the cover, placing separate portraits of Person and Carter within a geometric Muse layout. Wilson resumed a visual role established on Person’s late-1970s Muse sleeves.

Why Not!

Houston Person released Why Not! in 1991 on Muse.

Organist Joey DeFrancesco joins trumpeter Philip Harper, guitarist Randy Johnston, drummer Winard Harper, and percussionist Sammy Figueroa. DeFrancesco contributes “Joey’s Blues,” while Person supplies the title piece.

“Why Not” surges over swirling organ figures and Winard Harper’s alert swing. “Namely You” prowls through Person’s beefy lines before DeFrancesco answers with roaming phrases. “As Time Goes By” simmers through sensuous, sustained phrases. “Where Is Love?” lingers over emotion-laden lines. “Joey’s Blues” swings through heated blues figures. “Blue Gardenia” broods through mournful phrases and broad tenor lines. “‘Deed I Do” races through fast, sharply turning phrases.

A1. “Why Not” (10:54) – Person
A2. “As Time Goes By” (5:34) – Herman Hupfeld
A3. “Namely You” (6:32) – Gene de Paul, Johnny Mercer

B1. “Where Is Love?” (7:02) – Lionel Bart
B2. “Joey’s Blues” (10:08) – Joey DeFrancesco
B3. “Blue Gardenia” (5:13) – Lester Lee, Bob Russell
B4. “‘Deed I Do” (5:13) – Fred Rose, Walter Hirsch

Person recorded Why Not! on October 5, 1990, at Van Gelder Studio and produced the album with engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Joey DeFrancesco entered near the start of his leader career, while Philip and Winard Harper brought a younger working unit into the Muse catalog.

Signature Graphics designed the sleeve around Richard Laird’s close portrait of Person and oversized title type. Laird’s adjacent Muse work includes the joint cover photograph for Something in Common.

Later Activity

Person continued at Muse through projects with Etta Jones, Charles Brown, Teddy Edwards, and Ron Carter. He also produced sessions for Jones, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Johnny Lytle, and other label artists before joining HighNote in the mid-1990s.

The HighNote period includes Person-ified, My Romance, Soft Lights, In a Sentimental Mood, and Blue Velvet. Person recorded Together at Christmas with Jones and issued To Etta with Love after her death. Further Carter collaborations include Dialogues, Just Between Friends, Chemistry, and Remember Love.

Later leader albums include Mellow, Moment to Moment, Naturally, Nice ’n’ Easy, Something Personal, Rain or Shine, and I’m Just a Lucky So and So. HighNote released Live in Paris and Reminiscing at Rudy’s. Person remained active in 2026, with June dates at Jazz Forum in Tarrytown and July guest appearances with Tierney Sutton at Smoke in New York.

Discography: