Primary Instrument: Flute
Eric Person is setting a new standard in sound. For over twenty years, Eric has been committed to composing, recording and performing contemporary American music. He plays the alto and soprano saxophones and flute and is featured as a leader and sideman on more than 30 recordings. Eric studied at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and has been active in the New York and international jazz scene for decades. His broad range of experience with Dave Holland, McCoy Tyner, Chico Hamilton, Ronald Shannon Jackson, the World Saxophone Quartet, and John Hicks, have all contributed greatly to his mature alto and soprano sound and his skills as an arranger and composer.
After many years of making a name for himself, bassist Dave Holland asked Eric to join his band in the fall of 1993, this was by far Person's most challenging musical experience. Dave's use of odd meters, free time, and modality was just the opportunity Eric was looking for. They released Dream of The Elders, which highlighted a sound that was light, energetic and ethereal. Person's association with Dave Holland opened the doors to an even more fruitful period that continued throughout Eric's work with the World Saxophone Quartet (WSQ). For the next four years, Eric was performing with Dave Holland, WSQ, Chico Hamilton and also debuted his first CDs for Soul Note Records: Arrival, Prophecy and More Tales To Tell.
Eric released his debut album Arrival in 1993. Arrival emphasized a variety of styles and Eric’s willingness to take chances. It was an auspicious beginning which paved the way for his 1994 release, Prophecy. Prophecy was more conceptual, focusing on solo, duo and trio settings, while mixing Eric’s songs with those of John Coltrane. Down Beat Magazine gave these recordings 3 1/2 and 4 stars respectively.
In 1997, More Tales to Tell, revealed Eric’s continued development in music. The album featured with wonderful arrangements, strong composition, and an expanded band that featured acoustic guitar, bass clarinet, bassoon and flute. Down Beat Magazine gave the recording 4 stars. In 1999, Eric established his own band, Meta-Four, and released Extra Pressure, under his own label, Distinction Records. Meta-Four’s latest CD, Live At Big Sur, captures the band’s dynamic performances at the 2002 Big Sur Jazz Festival. In 2005, Eric released his sixth CD entitled, Reflections. It includes a combination of his favorite previously recorded compositions and three previously unreleased live tracks. It is a true reflection of Eric’s dynamic journey through his amazing career and has a taste of what is to come.
With Meta-Four as his vehicle to present his music, Eric is performing and recording some of the most innovative and exciting sounds on the modern music scene.
The band features: pianist Jarod Kaskin, bassist Adam Armstrong and Drummer Peter O'Brien. They offer a maliable, dynamic interaction, and a rare feeling oneness. They play with a rhythmic edge, which takes listeners along on the journey, and doesn't leave them behind. This band is ready for the future.
3 - CD Box Collection —Virgin Records
The Will To Live —Virgin Records
Jah Work (single) —Virgin Records
Dave Holland Quartet:
Dream Of The Elders —ECM
Rarum Vol. 10. Selected recordings —ECM
World Saxophone Quartet:
Moving Right Along —Black Saint
With Chico Hamilton:
Forreststorn —Koch
Timely —All Points Jazz
My Panamanian Friend —Soul Note
Trio! —Soul Note
Arroyo —Soul Note
Chico Hamilton Euphoria —Swallow Music
With Ronald Shannon Jackson:
Taboo —Virgin
Talkeye —Knitting Factory Records
When Colors Play —Knitting Factory Records
Beast In The Spider Bush —Knitting Factory Records
Live at Greenwich House —Knitting Factory Records
Decode Yourself —Island Records
Franklin Kiermyer
Kairos —Evidence Records
Kelvyn Bell’s Kelvynator
Refunkanation —Enemy
Ofra Haza
At the Montreux Jazz Festival —Bootleg
Tevin Thomas
Sudden Changes —Arrow Sounds Records
John Esposito
The Blue People—Sunjump Records
Chris Joris-Bob Stewart Band
Rainbow Country —De Werf Records
Yavuz Akyazici
Volcano/gamzelim
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