Mellow

Performer: Houston Person
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Producer: Houston Person
Distributor: Alternative Dis. Alliance

Notes: Personnel: Houston Person (tenor saxophone); James Chirillo (guitar); John Di Martino, John Di Martino Quartet (piano); Lewis Nash (drums). Audio Mixer: Rudy Van Gelder. Liner Note Author: Sid Gribetz. Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (06/23/2009). Photographer: John Abbott . Not all mellow, Houston Person's tribute to the softer side of jazz has its moments based on the laid-back timbre of his soul rather than a program consisting of only ballads. The tenor sax he wields certainly reflects the tradition established by Ben Webster in its soul-drenched tone, but is not as vocally pronounced or vibrato driven. The quite capable pianist John DiMartino is the one whose more enunciated notions are harnessed, while tasteful guitar by the underrated James Chirillo ring out in acceptance of Person's embraceable hues. A program of standards and two blues jams, Person rounds into shape this quintet of true professional to render themes that are harder to play slow than fast. The slower material includes the regretful, throaty ballad "Too Late Now," the totally restrained "To Each His Own," a poignant "Two Different Worlds," and the deep, mature take of "God Bless The Child". Ever cognizant of blue moods, Person is masterful in expressing his innermost, heartfelt feelings as on the easy swinger and obvious choice for this date, Duke Ellington's "In A Mellow Tone". Then there's "Blues In The A.M.," a basic jam with Ray Drummond's bass leading out with drummer Lewis Nash, in an uptown style as Chirillo's guitar states its wise, sophisticated case. The most upbeat number is the closer, a fast, hard bop three minute quickie "Lester Leaps In," while in mid-tempo form, the opener, Bobby Hebb's "Sunny," is a typical choice, but conversely the usual ballad "Who Can I Turn To?" is a bit amped up. DiMartino and Chirillo are known to kick things up several notches, but here are great taste makers who fully understand Person's persona and growing importance as one who prefers an understated approach. That's not to say this marvelous tenor saxophonist has depreciated his talent as an adept technician, but at this point in his career, prefers this music on the mellow side, and has no problem staying interested in that mood, no matter the tempo. ~ Michael G. Nastos

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