Eric Person Trio Dazzles Crowd with Blues & Jazz

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Barbara Stackhouse has rarely seen her husband purchase a c.d. after seeing any live musician. Her husband not only  did just that, but could not stop eagerly chatting with and praising the band’s leader, Eric Person.

“This group was fabulous, absolutely incredible,” exclaimed Middletown’s Barbara Stackhouse following the just over one hour blues and jazz performance. “I can’t believe it was actually free; just extraordinary musicians, simply beautiful.”

Her buzz was directed at the Eric Person Trio who entertained a very appreciative auditorium-filled crowd at the Newburgh Free Library. Featuring jazz standards, including such masters as; Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and many others, the show was further highlighted by blues, bop and some original compositions. Joining Person on the saxophone were Alex Smith on organ and Peter O’Brien on drums. Just as the attendees were grateful for the venue, so too were the musicians thankful to be playing for such an attentive group.

“The audience was tremendous, hanging on every note,” said O’Brien. Smith added, “It’s a very nice room here to play in, a nice venue; it’s always so nice to play here with Eric, as I’ve been playing with him at the Wherehouse in Newburgh, where he has a great following.”

Person, a City of Newburgh resident has been playing the saxophone ever since age seven; by 11, he knew he wanted to make the craft a career. Immediately taking to the alto sax his father (also a saxophonist) placed in his young hands, Person’s passion for the instrument has grown deeper over the years.

“I love the vocal quality and my ability to sing through the horn,” smiled Person. “I can’t sing otherwise.”

And “sing” he did Sunday afternoon. Belting out some riveting solos, the talented saxophonist has been well received by his Newburgh Library followers. Returning to the venue for the third time, Person holds a special; place in his heart for this annual performance.

“Today I’m trying to bring people into music, emphasizing what rhythms and grooves they might recognize and drawing them in,” explained Person. “I enjoy coming here, and since it is a free performance, it is a nice cross section of people seeing us play, allowing us to relate to different people.”

Those folks most definitely connect to Person and his bandmates. With eyes peeled on all three musicians, while listening in attentively, a large part of the Library crowd could be seen purchasing his music afterwards as well as mingling with the group, expressing their gratitude and joy for the opportunity to see such potent talent.

“Eric Person and his band returns to the Library due to patrons’ requests,” said Karla Quiroz, Newburgh Free Libarry Assistant. “Each visit has been a success, and he always gives a lively performance.”

The Newburgh Free Library provides free, ongoing educational and entertaining events to the public. Look for their “Learn to Dance” Series, including Salsa (Wednesday, October 4 at 7pm), Merengue (Wednesday, October 11 at 7pm) and Bachata (Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm).

For more information on other upcoming events, call: (845) 563-3618 or visit: www.newburghlibrary.org and click on “Calendar of Events.”