February 6, 2026
On March 6, Walter Smith III reprises his acclaimed Twio concept with the long-awaited release of Twio, Vol. 2, a 10-track set of classic jazz songs that exudes a playful sense of joyful freedom. Today, the saxophonist shares the second single to be revealed from the album, “Casual – Lee,” which features special appearances by two bucket list guests—bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Branford Marsalis—along with Kendrick Scott on drums.
When Marsalis joins the frontline, two of jazz’s finest saxophonists engage in the delicate balance of sparring and mutual support that defines the most musical tenor-battle encounters. “Casual – Lee” is a Smith composition that lays a new melody atop the harmony to one of his favorite standards, “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon).”
Of Marsalis, Smith says, “That’s my guy from the time I got serious about playing saxophone.” Carter is also a personal and musical hero to Smith, who remarks on how accommodating but also collaborative the famously prolific bassist was during the sessions. “Ron’s input is like, ‘Don’t just play what you want. Listen to what I’m doing,’” says Smith. “’I have some ideas that may take you in different directions.’”
Smith ranks among the most impressive saxophonists of our time, equally powerful and articulate. As an improviser, he suggests how jazz can continue to evolve in the most organic, authentic way possible; he’s thoroughly of this moment but steeped in the wisdom he’s gained through working with giants. Over the past two decades, he’s come of age with a generation of masterful players who double as visionary composers, writing modern, ambitious original music.
But sometimes Smith and his colleagues just want to play. No fuss, no multi-page scores, no intensive rehearsals. Sometimes, they’d rather grab a bunch of smart, durable tunes they grew up loving and go to work. That’s the spirit behind Twio, Vol. 2—featuring a core trio of Smith, Scott and bassist Joe Sanders—which is available to pre-order now on vinyl, CD, or digital download along with a special merch offering on the Blue Note Store.
Smith, Sanders, and Scott will be celebrating the album release with a special week-long engagement March 10-15 at the Village Vanguard in New York City where the trio will be joined by a different special guest saxophonist each night including Mark Turner, Nicole Glover, Ravi Coltrane, Joe Lovano, Dayna Stephens, and Chris Potter. Visit waltersmith3.com for a full list of Smith’s upcoming tour dates.
