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William Paterson University Jazz Room Series Presents the Houston Person Quartet on February 28

Saxophonist Houston Person, well known for his long collaboration with Etta James, brings his unique sound to William Paterson University on Sunday, February 28 as part of the University’s spring 2016 Jazz Room series. Person will be joined by the Dave Leonhardt Trio, featuring bassist Matt Parrish and William Paterson alumnus Colby Inzer on drums. The performance begins at 4 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus.

Prior to the concert, Person will be the guest for “Sittin’ In,” an informal discussion about jazz, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center. Admission is free to all Jazz Room ticket holders. Tickets are available at the Shea Center Box Office in advance at 973.720.2371 or wp-presents.org or on the day of the performance at $15 general admission, $12 senior citizens and William Paterson community, and $8 for non-William Paterson students.  William Paterson students are admitted free with a valid I.D. There is a $3 fee for tickets purchased on the day of the show.

After learning piano as a youth, Person switched to tenor saxophone. While stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, he played in groups that also included Eddie Harris, Lanny Morgan, Leo Wright, and Cedar Walton. Person picked up valuable experience as a member of Johnny Hammond's group (1963-1966) and became a bandleader in the following years, often working with the late singer Etta Jones. His credits include more than 75 recordings as a bandleader, including his 2015 release, the rootsy and soulful Something Personal.

Launched in 1978, William Paterson University’s Jazz Room Series is one of the largest and most prestigious college-sponsored jazz events in the country. Performers include renowned professionals who encompass the complete spectrum of jazz, as well as William Paterson’s own student ensembles. The series has won numerous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for its innovative programming.