Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Nicholas Payton realizes a long-cherished dream to record with icons Ron Carter and George Coleman, abetted by his longtime-collaborator Karriem Riggins, on his new album, “Smoke Sessions.” For a young Nicholas Payton, Miles Davis’ 1966 quintet provided a template for what music could—and should—be. Now long established as one of the most renowned musicians and composers on the scene, Payton has convened two members of that quintet, bassist Ron Carter and, as a special guest on two tracks, saxophonist George Coleman, to craft some exemplary sounds of his own.

     Guitarist Randy Napoleon cut his teeth in the clubs of Detroit and throughout the Midwest in the mid-nineties, only realizing after his move to New York how much his musical identity and values were formed by that scene. His years touring and recording with Freddie Cole, Benny Green and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra only solidified his own position in that rich legacy, and with “Rust Belt Roots,” anchors that position through this celebration of the musical voices who led his way. With two quartets of mentors and long-time colleagues, Napoleon brings together the spirit and tunes of a region, mostly focusing on the music of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and Kenny Burrell.

Also this week, guitarist Bruce Forman honors the late Barney Kessel and his Poll Winners trio with “Reunion,” featuring John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton;

vocalist and lyricist Kurt Elling teams up with guitarist Charlie Hunter for his latest project, “SuperBlue”;

       and bassist David Finck returns with an all-new collection of jazz tunes and original compositions on “BASSic Instinct.”