Eric Person: Rhythm Edge

Remixed, remastered, re-upped and re-amped from its original 2007 release, Rhythm Edge (CD Baby) immediately grabs you with its free-ranged, deep- rooted soulfulness and classic vigor.

A gifted, Hudson Valley gentleman, multi-reedist Eric Person's serpentine and soaring tenor, alto, soprano, and flutes are veterans of many years with Chico Hamilton, Dave Holland, the World Saxophone Quartet, Houston Person, (no relation) and a far-flung range of others (McCoy Tyner and Vernon Reid among them).

Tightened by trimming two songs from the original—the snippet "Source Song" and the subtly shaded "Yesterdays"—the new and improved Rhythm Edge jumps from the digi-sphere with the tune that closed its predecessor on such a high note. "Tyner Town," a hotbed romp with trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, finds pianist Jared Kashkin relishing his turn in the spotlight leading the way for both Jenson and Person to take flight.

A heady composer and arranger who intuitively paints with a large and venerable palette, Person spotlights many of his finest compositions on Rhythm Edge. Contemporary (yet faithful) post-bop with an incredibly live edge, originals such as "The Multitudes" (a nervy tandem with trombonist Robin Eubanks); "Majestic Taureen Majesty," (a salty, late night blues rave with long time bassist Adam Armstrong; the funk-fueled "I'll Be Just Fine" and "Reach;" the CTI spiced title track and "Supersonic" a head to head flare up between a Freddie Hubbard charged Jensen, an equally inspired Person, coursing between the heated comping of fellow Hamilton alum, guitarist Cary DeNigris. Eubanks rallies the troops on the slinkily paced "Pendulum Swing."

Clicking on all cylinders like a well-seasoned, long-standing unit, Person's present, emphatic tone—equal parts wit, heart, and spiritual release—urges his Meta-Four quartet—Armstrong, Kashkin, beat master mainstay drummer Peter O'Brien and their guests through the twists and turns of his ebullient artistry. Alongside such other fine releases as Blue Vision (Distinction, 2022), the mid-career compilation Reflections (Distinction, 2005) and Live at Big Sur(CD Baby, 2003) Rhythm Edge even if temporarily, is a mighty right thing in this mostly wrong world. A hands-down repeated listen.

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