Talk about a special guest: Saxophonist Houston Person joined pianist Emmet Cohen and his trio for a four-night run at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley earlier this month. They performed a special set at the Seattle jazz club for KNKX.
At 90 years old, Person has been making music for more than six decades. And you can tell; but in the best way. When he picks up his horn, that big, sweet, soulful tone is as strong as ever. It all feels effortless as he plays through songs that have been part of his life for decades; like old friends.
“I love music,” he said, matter-of-fact. “I love the challenge. I love what it can bring to you. Music has taken me places that I never would have seen.”
Cohen, along with bassist Joey Ranieri and drummer Joe Farnsworth, also share this passion. The mutual care between them was clear from the start.
During “These Foolish Things,” their connection was quiet but unmistakable; Person’s sweet, steady lines were answered by Cohen’s rich chords in subtle call and response. Later, on “The Second Time Around,” Person let loose with a burst of energy that seemingly inspired Cohen to do the same.
That care and friendship extended off the stage as well. Like a family member caring for his grandfather, Cohen helped Person get settled on stage; later, he bridged conversations when hearing became a challenge. Person praised Cohen too; for his skill, his spirit, and his commitment to the music community.
For more than a decade Cohen has been helping to bridge generations in jazz. He even helped KNKX celebrate our new Seattle studios in 2023.
His ongoing Live at Emmet’s Place series was a beacon of joy and community during the darkest days of the pandemic; and he’s working to carry the music of the elders into the consciousness of today’s jazz fans with his Masters Legacy Series, including Volume 5 with Houston Person.
Reflecting on the session, Cohen noted something unique about jazz.
“I think we’d be hard-pressed to find any other profession where a 90-year-old is working professionally with a 23-year-old,” he said, referring to Houston and Ranieri.
In the moment, the music felt timeless. It wasn’t a passing of the torch; it was a circle, each generation feeding the next.
Musicians:
- Houston Person - saxophone
- Emmet Cohen - piano
- Joey Ranieri - bass
- Joe Farnsworth - drums
Songs:
- Sweet Sucker (Johnny Griffin)
- These Foolish Things (Jack Strachey)
- Second Time Around (Jimmy Van Heusen)
