1999-present
After his first CD releases on Soul Note Records, Eric decided to form his own label Distinction Records to control and produce all levels of his product. The labels first release, Extra Pressure was released in 1999 and featured the first version of his jazz group Meta-Four. The band included pianist John Esposito, bassist Carlos Henderson and drummer E.J.Strickland. The band toured in the USA and Canada. In 2002 Person released Live at Big Sur with a new version of Meta-Four which featured pianist John Esposito, bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Peter O'Brien. This band played the 2002 Guimarães Jazz Festival in Portugal.
In 2005 Person released his sixth CD Reflections as a collective statement that summed up his favorite compositions and performances from his first five releases. Three dynamic performances from the 1998 Texaco Jazz Festival featuring trumpeter Dave Douglas were added. After extensive touring in 2005 and 2006, Eric kicked off a four week United States tour with his seventh CD Release Rhythm Edge. This CD would feature his then current Meta-Four band and special guests Robin Eubanks, Ingrid Jensen, Cary Denigris and Daniel Sadownick. Since 1994 his band Meta-Four has been featured in clubs, concerts, masterclasses and festivals across the USA, Canada and Europe.
In 2008 Person premiered a new band, Metamorphosis which unlike his four piece jazz group Meta-Four delves into funk, rock, groove and electric soundscapes.
In 2010 Person released his eighth CD release, The Grand Illusion. He calls this his "rhythm and groove" project. This CD features guitarist Cary Denigris, keyboardist Zaccai Curtis, and the late bassist Robert "Bob" Bowen. Critic Donald Elfman states: "Saxophonist Eric Person seems to find something new to say and a different direction to follow with every project he undertakes...the music seems daring at this time, recalling the jazz/funk experiments of the past, and the commitment of the players makes it work"
Person's 2012 release Thoughts on God is his first CD to feature music performed by a large ensemble. This ensemble of thirteen musicians perform a suite of twelve compositions written to glorify the creator.
Glenn Astarita of All About Jazz.com says: "Revered saxophonist Eric Person parlays God's message via the jazz vernacular, his spiritual ascension and unbridled fortitude equating to one of the finest modern jazz outings of 2012...branded by his personalization of the jazz idiom, teeming with impressive compositions and inspiring arrangements."
Michael McDowell of Blitz Magazine says, "He (Person) has definitely joined Coltrane in having produced an enduring work that will stand as a hallmark of the genre."
Amy Duncan of Jazz History online.com says, "Thoughts on God is an exciting and satisfying presentation from an inspiring and original new voice in large jazz ensemble writing."
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