Nicholas Payton continues his quest to record with some of those jazz giants who he has long admired. On his 2021 album, Smoke Sessions, the title of which unusually duplicated the name of the label on which these meetings have been captured, he teamed with the great bassist Ron Carter. On The Couch Sessions, the New Orleans native went for the rhythm section of bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White, who often provided the magic behind trumpeter Miles Davis, as well as others. Payton has also paid homage to jazz legends by mixing their compositions among his original material and using some spoken word passages from those among us as well as departed souls.

It opens with the voice of the late, great pianist Geri Allen speaking about the diversity of the Detroit music scene as a preface to her “Feed the Fire.” Payton sets the mood on a Fender Rhodes and then, as he switches to acoustic piano, he and the terrific rhythm section start beboppin’. Payton jumps on to trumpet, the instrument on which he first made his mark. It seems every time one hears Nicholas on piano, he gets better—though granted with the drive of drummer White—how can he miss? Payton’s abilities on the instrument are further exemplified on fellow pianist Herbie Hancock’s “Watch It.” The next cut, “Bust-a-Move, a Payton original and a bow to the album’s bassist, is hilarious, moving from the opening chants to the repeated shout outs, “Busta, busta, busta, busta, busta!” The bassist contributes his own lovely ballad, “Christina,” in a thoughtfully executed trio setting.

Wayne Shorter tells some amusing stories about working with Miles Davis before an album highlight, his own “Pinocchio,” that Miles recorded in 1967.

The Couch Sessions simply flies by which is a true indication of a great album that you just don’t want to end.