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In the grand tradition of jazz piano trio records, Lafayette Harris returns to Van Gelder Studios for his latest effort, “Swingin’ Up in Harlem,” covering a wide spectrum of tunes by composers ranging from Hoagy Carmichael to Stevie Wonder. Harris’ sympathies have always been wide-ranging, as one would imagine from his stints with Max Roach, Donald Byrd, Ernestine Anderson and others. Bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash bring the insight that only their decades of experience can give. The disc also boasts the participation of saxophonist Houston Person, this time in the producer’s chair.

     “The Layers” is a stunning companion piece to guitarist Julian Lage’s acclaimed album of last year, “View With a Room.” The collection features six original pieces recorded during the same sessions which found Lage discovering new orchestrational possibilities by augmenting his deeply attuned trio of bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King with the addition of guitar icon Bill Frisell. Intimate and gorgeous, exploratory and embracing, imbued with vibrant colors and exquisite interplay, “The Layers” is a welcome additional offering from this meeting of two of modern jazz’s most distinctive voices with one of the music’s most skilled and inventive rhythm sections.

 Also this week, saxophonist/composer Don Aliquo charts his personal and professional growth living and performing in the Nashville area and reflects on the expansion of the jazz scene in that city on his new disc, “Growth”;

 Pittsburgh-based saxophonist Jason Kush offers up eight new compositions on “Finally Friday”;

     and Josh Lawrence picks up his trumpet and steps boldly back into the spotlight with steadfast determination and emotional earnestness on his aptly-title fifth release, “And That Too.”