Houston Person – Nice ’n’ Easy – HighNote HCD, 7257 55:47 ****:
(Houston Person – tenor saxophone; John Di Martino – piano; Chuck Redd – vibraphone; Ray Drummond – bass; Lewis Nash – drums)
When Frank Sinatra released the album Nice ’n’ Easy in 1960, it was primarily a ballad offering with the exception of the title tune which was done as a restrained swinger. In this Houston Person presentation of the same name, the band takes a somewhat similar approach in that the opening and closing tracks are up-tempo numbers that bracket the balance of the material all of which are either ballads or done in tempo-moderato, but are nevertheless gorgeously arranged to take full advantage of a delightful band.
At this point in his career, Houston Person has nothing left to prove and he has settled into his recognizable style that exudes a deep tone and openness in his phrasing that stems from one of his departed contemporaries: the great Gene Ammons. In this song set of mostly recognizable tunes, the Person approach is readily apparent throughout, but he swings with unfailing swagger on the opening and closing tracks, “Someday You’ll Be Sorry” and “Bluesology”. Playing with persuasion, swing, and taste doesn’t happen by accident and Person has ensured that he can deliver as advertised when his band cohorts are of a similar mind and inclination.
The rhythm section of pianist Di Martino, bassist Drummond and drummer Nash have been associated with Person for some time in a variety of capacities and it shows though their responsiveness and unwavering support, especially on the ballad numbers such as “All My Tomorrows” and “It’s All In The Game”. Vibraphonist Chuck Redd presence is felt whenever called upon to add color to the arrangement, and even though his solos are relatively short such as on the bluesy “If It’s The Last Thing I Do,” he makes the most of the space allotted. A change of pace is offered with “Let’s Fall In Love” where a bossa nova beat is in place and gives each member a chance to shine in a different musical context and show their versatility.
There’s no twerking in this session, just straight ahead jazz played with conviction and empathy.
TrackList: Someday You’ll Be Sorry; All My Tomorrows; Stolen Sweets; It’s All In The Game; Nice’N’Easy; If It’s The last Thing I Do; Ill Wind; Let’s Fall In Love; Sweet Life; Bluesology
—Pierre Giroux
