Smoke Sessions
Nicholas Payton
Payton showcases the timelessness of Carter and Coleman’s skill —their ineffable capacity to slot into new combinations and compositions with the open-eared willingness to swing. Theirs is the...
Smoke Sessions
Nicholas Payton
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Payton showcases the timelessness of Carter and Coleman’s skill —their ineffable capacity to slot into new combinations and compositions with the open-eared willingness to swing. Theirs is the...
About
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 album "Four & More," captured live two years earlier at Lincoln Centers Philharmonic Hall, 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 of the legendary musicians who played with Davis on that album, bassist Ron Carter and, as a special guest on two tracks, saxophonist George Coleman, to craft some exemplary sounds of his own. Far from a tribute or a look back, however, "Smoke Sessions" is a wholly contemporary new album that vibrantly captures Paytons open-eared blend of swing, funk, soul and hip-hop influences with drummer Riggins expansive fluidity behind the kit and Carters renowned, rock-solid majesty on the bass. Payton seizes the opportunity to engage with that recognizable voice in multiple forms, taking both the Miles and Herbie roles as trumpeter, pianist and keyboardist via the multi-instrumentalism that has become a thrilling trademark of his approach.
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
December 2021
Payton showcases the timelessness of Carter and Coleman’s skill —their ineffable capacity to slot into new combinations and compositions with the open-eared willingness to swing. Theirs is the beating heart of jazz and long may its mantle be carried by Payton, Riggins and those yet to come.