Sentimental Journey

As the 21st century began, Houston Person was one of the last in a tradition of tough-toned but warm tenors able to straddle the boundaries between soul-jazz, hard bop, and soulful R&B. An expert at caressing and uplifting melodies, Person plays in the tradition of Gene Ammons. Person is in excellent form throughout this quartet/quintet date with pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Peter Washington, drummer Grady Tate, and, on four of the nine selections, guitarist Russell Malone. In fact, the combination of Person and Malone works so well that hopefully someday they will record a full album together. All of the tunes are veteran standards, with Person particularly digging into "A Sunday Kind of Love," "It Had to Be You," "Black Velvet," and "Canadian Sunset." Houston Person has recorded many fine albums for High Note and its predecessor, Muse, through the years. Sentimental Journey is a strong example of his talents.