While putting his often soulful and nuanced, then explosive and wildly adventurous saxophones and flute in the service of greats ranging from Chico Hamilton, Dave Holland and the World Saxophone Quartet to McCoy Tyner and Vernon Reid, the multi-faced Eric Person capped a rousing and inspiring 30-year recording career as a leader with the release of Blue Vision in 2022.
In the midst of all that formidable solo action was the perfectly titled Rhythm Edge, a powerhouse, rhythmically expansive/limitless album featuring a wild and surreal ensemble that was just begging for rediscovery from the modern generation. Person grants the wish in unique ways, not only trimming down to a still generous 14 tracks and re-mastering to add extra pop and vibrancy, but also artfully rearranging the tracking for extra melodic, harmonic and improvisational impact amidst the ever-shifting tempos.
Moving the high octane, barnburning tribute “Tyner Town” from closer (where it can easily be overlooked) to opener is Person’s first stroke of genius, as we get the full fire of his ensemble up front. It’s a sprawling tune that blesses us with several minutes of dazzle by Jarrod Kashkin’s McCoy-esque flair and Ingrid Jensen’s fiery trumpet before Person pops in with equal splashes of edgy funk fire. It’s a jam that informs us that, on this reworking, we’re in for quite a whirlwind.
While the likewise burning “The Multitudes” is highlighted by Robin Eubanks’ dynamic trombone solo and more of Kashkin’s piano magic, the way Person tandems with Eubanks reflects the tune’s intention as a dedication to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Person and company fashion a rhythmically varied soul fest from there, taking us from the simmering blues of “Majestic Taurean Majesty” and the moody, old school soul-jazzer “Beauty” (featuring an intoxicating Rhodes solo by Kashkin) to the snazzy modern big band vibe of the hipster title track and fast paced and frolicsome swing of “Supersonic.” Riffing off one of the song titles, there is a multitude of grand, adventurous delights on Rhythm Edge, and kudos to Person and whoever else encouraged him to release this inspiring new version!
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