"The Early Riser" features original modern jazz compositions by saxophonist Doug Stone, infused with lyrics performed and composed by rapper Josiah Williams. This is a jazz record featuring grooves in 4/4, 3/4, 5/4, 7/8, straight-eighths, and swing, enhanced by highly nuanced lyrical skills. These compositions by Doug Stone (Illinois native, New York resident) were written over a 15-year span. In 2017, Stone approached Josiah Williams (Wisconsin native, Illinois resident) about writing lyrics that would capture the concepts behind the titles of the pieces. Josiah's masterful compositions, powerfully drive home the point of each piece. Bassist John Tate (Illinois native, New York resident) has worked with Stone since the early 2000's and has performed these compositions from their earliest stages. Drummer Chase Ellison (New Mexico, Michigan, New York) and Stone met in 2016 and had an immediate musical connection. The energy Ellison brings to the record sparks the fire that lights this band up. Guitarist Chris Potter (New York) supplies the harmonic subtlety and interest to round out the sound of the ensemble, and his solos are fabulous. 　　Like many other modern jazz albums, "The Early Riser" displays the ways that talented jazz and hip-hop artists are collaborating to expand musical horizons.