Reggie Houston
By: Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson
Influence. Every musician is influenced
by others from whom they've learned. In the blues and jazz saxophone
worlds, there's one person that is universally respected for his
influence and effect on those musical genres. That's legendary New
Orleans saxophonist Reggie Houston, one of Portland's newest additions.
A lifetime New Orleans performer, Houston
has played with Charmain Neville, spent almost ten years with Fats
Domino and appeared with Dr. John, to name just a few. A recent arrival,
Houston permanently moved to Portland just over a year ago and has
had an immediate impact on Portland's blues and jazz scene. Subject
of multiple media articles including a recent Oregonian Metro feature
story, Houston has performed at just about every conceivable venue
in the area. Whether it's the Waterfront Blues Festival, Hurricane
Katrina relief shows or in local bars and clubs, Houston and his
band Box of Chocolates are constantly busy with ensembles, workshops,
and appearances.
Yet, it's not just other musicians
that have been influenced by Houston's performances, but Houston
himself who's being influenced by the Portland music scene! He talks
about his impact and the impact Portland has had on him; "I
came here to impact and influence people in Portland. Little did
I know I was being impacted every day by the State of Oregon." He
explains why he moved to Portland, "Because I could. I had a
successful career and social and family life in New Orleans which
is a historic New Orleans family. Mostly, I came to Portland for
quality of life and the music scene here is very important in my
life. Portland was an obvious choice and I'd been coming here for
over 15 years and have been playing with many bands such as D.K.
Stewart, Bobby Torres and Norman Sylvester.”
Houston talks about his musical style
and what he brings to Portland's music scene, "What I bring
to the table is this New Orleans attitude. I am not considered one
type of musician. But I play all types of music with passion. My
passion is making sure that I find the reservoir for this good and
correct information concerning the future development of American
music. I hope to use two vehicles. One is a history of Americana
modern music and the other is workshops and playshops where it’s
a performance with information. He points out the importance of reaching
his listeners; "I have a connection with my listeners that is
sincerity. I approach my audience like I approach my life with the
theme that I've learned with a cohesive and cognitive method with
my music. I admire certain musicians and I hope people see that in
me. I interpret these to impact the people listening to Portland’s
music scene."
Houston frequently appears with not
only his own band Box of Chocolates, but with other Portland bands.
He specifically singles out Portland's “Boogie Cat” Norman Sylvester
and the impact he's had on Houston's transition to Portland; "It's
not just playing with his band. I love sharing time with Norman Sylvester.
Norman Sylvester is the kind of individual I just want to be around.
He should be celebrated. And it all comes down to his integrity."
Sylvester adds the extra dimension
Houston brings to The Norman Sylvester Band; "I met him years
ago with the Charmain Neville Band. When he got here, he was kind
of down and out. I started calling him and putting him in my show
and playing parties and festivals. He's an energetic sax player with
years of experience. He's a dynamic vocalist for jazz and R & B
and he's a southern gentleman who's a joy to have on stage and he
adds a lot to our shows."
With legendary jazz and blues saxophone
experience, Reggie Houston has come to Portland to pass on as much
as he can of his musical knowledge and skills to those willing to
listen and understand his musical experiences. Catch him with his
band Reggie Houston and his Box of Chocolates. You just never know
what you might get!!
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