The Gospel Soul Of Houston Person

"The Gospel Soul of Houston Person," released on November 2, 1977, is a soul-stirring journey through the rich intersection of jazz, soul jazz, and hard bop, all filtered through the lens of gospel music. Houston Person, renowned for his expressive tenor saxophone, curates a collection of spiritual and uplifting tracks that showcase his mastery of the instrument and his deep connection to the gospel tradition.

The album kicks off with "Clouds Of Joy," setting a tone of optimism and spiritual uplift that carries through to tracks like "Great Day" and "Amazing Grace." Person's rendition of these classic hymns is both reverent and innovative, with his saxophone weaving intricate melodies that complement the soulful backing of his band. The ensemble features Rodney Kendrick on piano, Graham Haynes on cornet, and Tarus Mateen on bass, among others, each contributing to the album's rich, textured sound.

"Precious Lord" and "Never Gonna Give God Up" highlight Person's ability to infuse traditional gospel songs with a jazz sensibility, while "Until You Come Again" and "Enjoy" offer moments of pure, unadulterated joy. The album concludes with "He'll Understand And Say Well Done" and "People Get Ready," leaving the listener with a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Released on Savoy Records, "The Gospel Soul of Houston Person" is a testament to the artist's versatility and his ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly. The album, though not as commercially successful as some of his other works, has earned a special place in the hearts of jazz and gospel enthusiasts alike. With a running time of just 35 minutes, it's a concise yet powerful exploration of faith, hope, and the human spirit, all delivered through the soulful lens of Houston Person's saxophone.