Nicholas Payton

released October 29, 2021

“Like the best reunions, this superb, intimate seminar takes ‘Four’ & More as a reference point, then finds its own raison d’être. Payton’s pride is palpable, relaxing in eloquence with his elders. The music is literate and leisurely. A rare treat.”
— John McDonough, Downbeat

“Hearing Miles Davis’s album FOUR AND MORE at the age of 11 prompted the American trumpeter to take music seriously…Now he has recorded with two members of the band heard on that disc, the saxophonist George Coleman and the bassist Ron Carter. And although Davis’s pianist Herbie Hancock isn’t here, Payton, who doubles on keyboards, channels him on a spine-tingling trio version of Hancock’s Toys. It’s a joy to hear these vets extend their legacy with this skilled, creative admirer.”
— Chris Pearson, The Times (UK)

#1 JazzWeek radio chart (2 weeks)

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SMOKE SESSIONS is the realization of Nicholas Payton’s long-cherished dream to record with icons Ron Carter and George Coleman, abetted by his frequent collaborator Karriem… more

Nicholas Payton – trumpet, piano, and Fender Rhodes
Ron Carter – bass
Karriem Riggins – drums
George Coleman tenor saxophone (“Big George” and “Turn-a-Ron”)

Recorded April 29 & 30, 2021 at Sear Sound Studio C, NYC

Produced by Nicholas Payton & Paul Stache

Associate Producer: Damon Smith
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Christopher Allen
Additional drum recording by Kyle Hoffmann, Sunset Sound Studio 3
Photography by Jimmy and Dena Katz
Band photography by Dean Myers
Designed by Damon Smith

Executive Producers: Paul Stache & Molly Johnson