Soprano and alto saxophonist Eric Person's eleventh CD as leader, Blue Vision is an enthralling presentation of five original compositions and two covers in a quintet setting that also features Houston Person (tenor sax), Adam Klipple (Hammond B3 organ), Pete McCann (guitar), Tony Jefferson (drums), Alex Smith (organ) and Rob Kissner (rhythm guitar on one track). Blue Vision combines the blues with classic jazz, soul, gospel, and modern swing. I never tire of saxophones playing classics like “Dear Old Stockholm” and “Lover Man” with sincerity and empathy. On numbers like “Blue Vision,” “Soul Saturation” and “Old Hat Feathers,” the musicians lay their souls right out there, with very earnest and lyrical music exuding pure expression, although perhaps a tad understated by the organists.  Featuring Eric’s soprano sax, “Geri” pays tribute to the late pianist Geri Allen. Force, sincerity and drive characterize the witty closer, “No Doubt True Dat” that moves right along with a snappy, upbeat groove.

Even though unrelated, the fortuitous pairing of Eric and Houston is now called Person2Person. Each of the seven tracks on Blue Vision ranges from 4-7 minutes so there’s plenty of sax-centric dynamic flow. Of course, I certainly wouldn’t have minded hearing a few more tracks, perhaps an arrangement for Eric Person’s self-penned “Antithesis,” one of my favorite cuts on the World Saxophone Quartet’s 1993 release entitled Moving Right Along. And, I know that Eric also plays tasty flute (as well as alto sax) from my recollection of his contributions on Chico Hamilton’s highly-acclaimed 1992 album, My Panamanian Friend. It would’ve been cool to include some compositions from the great Eric Dolphy on Blue Vision.   

Over the course of his professional career since the 1980s, Eric Person has emphasized his compositional talent, adventurous spirit, and versatility. A little older and playing professionally since the early 1960s, Houston Person is an award-winning artist and major figure on the jazz scene. As a collaborator, his tenor sax work alongside late vocalist Etta Jones is legendary as she sang appealing interpretations of standards, ballads and blues. Houston Person has also performed and recorded with the best in the business including Lena Horn, Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Johnny Hammond, Junior Mance, Joey DeFrancesco and many others, as well as being featured on 130 recordings as a leader.

Complementary, musically mature saxophonists, Eric Person and Houston Person are tight with similar stylings. Playing sweet and tender passages, both never lose confidence or minimize sensitivity on a strong, exemplary album that is both intriguing and penetrating. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)