Emmet Cohen
Jazz pianist Emmet Cohen has quickly become one of the most in demand jazz musicians in New York. A finalist in both the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition and the 2015 American Pianists Association’s Fellowship, Cohen plays with the maturity and confidence of a seasoned veteran. With astonishing technique and an innovative harmonic palate, Cohen engenders a deep musical bond with his audience. Cohen has shared the bandstand with a plethora of musical luminaries, working regularly with Jimmy Cobb, Kurt Elling, Billy Hart, Jimmy Heath, Ali Jackson, Brian Lynch, Christian McBride, and Herlin Riley.
Houston Person
Tenor saxophonist, Houston Person wears the “Boss Tenor Crown,” worn for so long by Gene Ammons. Mr. Person stays busy playing gigs, booking tours, finding new clubs, and networking with major concert promoters on every continent. He even produces his own albums!
Mr. Person got his first big break working as a sideman with organist Johnny Hammond and his group, co-led by Etta Jones. That experience was the springboard for his musical relationship with Ms. Jones which began in 1973 and lasted for thirty years. Prior to 1973 he was playing jazz gigs while stationed in Germany and serving in the Army. During that era he played with Eddie Harris, Cedar Walton and others. As a band leader and producer Mr. Person has gone on to make more that 75 albums and is currently recording on High Note.
On Mr. Person's philosophy of jazz, he says, “Well, it's uplifting and important. And a release and a relief. That's what it is, jazz, so called jazz, to me. It's important that it's relaxing. Something that when the end of the day comes, after a hard and frustrating day out in the world, that relieves you. Relaxes you and makes you feel good.” Mr Person adds that all he wants is to give people “good solid melodies with some improvisation and plenty of blues feel.” He smiles, “You always want that dance feeling there, that happy, happy feeling.”
Jazz in the Box subscriptions are available for purchase online or through the box office.
The hottest little jazz club around is GPAC’s Jazz in the Box! Featuring both new and well-established artists, Jazz in the Box gives you an opportunity to get up close and personal with live jazz. Cabaret seating and drinks for purchase make this a perfect way to kick off your weekend. Each Jazz in the Box artist performs twice on the evening of their show - at 7 pm and again at 8:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
