Houston Person : From The Heart

Few artists interpret a song quite like Houston Person. Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, the legendary tenor saxophonist has built his reputation not on virtuosity alone, but on his remarkable ability to reveal the emotional heart of a melody. Every phrase is intentional, every note speaks, and every performance reflects the warmth, soul and unmistakable sound that have made him one of jazz's most enduring voices.

Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, this collection celebrates the timeless beauty of the Great American Songbook through a carefully chosen program of beloved standards, blues and jazz classics. From the opening title track, "Wish You Were Here," to Ellington masterpieces including "Satin Doll," "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," Person balances familiar favorites with thoughtful repertoire, revealing fresh dimensions in songs listeners have known for generations.

Joined by an outstanding ensemble—Eddie Allen (trumpet), John Di Martino (piano), James Chirillo (guitar), Sean Smith (bass) and Vincent Ector (drums)—Person varies the instrumentation throughout the album, creating changing textures that give each performance its own distinct character. Whether performing as a full sextet, in an intimate duo or within a smaller ensemble, the musicians share an effortless chemistry that allows every melody to breathe naturally.

At the center of the recording is Person's singular approach to interpretation. His solos remain deeply connected to the songs themselves, allowing melody—not display—to guide every improvisation. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and immediate, honoring the composers while bringing a lifetime of musical experience to every performance.

Warm, soulful and deeply expressive, this album is a reminder that great songs never grow old when placed in the hands of a master storyteller. Houston Person continues to prove that the simplest approach—beautiful melodies, heartfelt expression and honest swing—can leave the deepest and most lasting impression.

Featuring:

Houston Person sax
John DiMartino piano
James Chirillo guitar
Vince Ector drums
Eddie Allen trumpet
Sean Smith bass

Selections: 

Wish You Were Here (Houston Person)  4:38
You Belong To Me (Chilton Price/Pee Wee King/Redd Stewart)  4:39
Satin Doll (Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn/Johnny Mercer)  6:27
These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) (Jack Strachey/Eric Maschwitz/Harry Link)  5:08
It Shouldn’t Happen to a Dream (Duke Ellington/Johnny Hodges/Don George)  5:30
Moonlight in Vermont (Karl Suessdorf/John Blackburn)  4:17
Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell)  3:52
The Nearness of You (Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington)  8:14
Save Your Love For Me (Buddy Johnson)  5:48
Stranger on the Shore (Acker Bilk)  4:10
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington/Bob Russell)  4:21
We’ll Be Together Again–Goodbye/Medley (Carl T. Fischer/Frankie Laine-Gordon Jenkins)  4:26