Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard Unite for New Hybrid Album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” | Coming February 6th, 2026 | LISTEN!

JAZZ LEGEND RON CARTER & GOSPEL ICON RICKY DILLARD
UNITE FOR UNPRECEDENTED HYBRID ALBUM
SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT

ALBUM RELEASE SET FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2026
AS A JOINT MUSIC RELEASE BY MOTOWN GOSPEL & BLUE NOTE RECORDS

ALBUM PRE-ORDER + TITLE TRACK SINGLE LIVE TODAY

In a historic musical collaboration bridging two of America’s most profound genres, the “Maestro” Ron Carter and the “Choirmaster” Ricky Dillard announce the expectation of their groundbreaking joint album, Sweet, Sweet Spirit. Merging the lively and expert backing of Dillard’s famed New-G choir, the album is a first-of-its-kind fusion of Gospel’s sacred power and Jazz’s masterful improvisation and is now available for pre-order – set for a February 6th, 2026 release date. Its timeless title track and lead single, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” releases today via Motown Gospel/Blue Note Records.

“I think that when this music is released I predict that it will open up a lot more doors to people’s hearts, unifying them.” – Mr. Ron Carter

“The Sweet, Sweet Spirit project will be a timeless recording that will penetrate hearts and uplift spirits for generations to come.” Mr. Ricky Dillard

A deeply personal project for Ron Carter, Sweet, Sweet Spirit honors the memory of his late mother, Mrs. Willie O. Carter, whose favorite hymns shaped the musical foundation of the Carter household and the Detroit church community where they worshipped. The album revives those cherished hymns, originally sung a cappella by parishioners as the only instruments in the room; now reimagined through Carter’s legendary bass lines and the rich, soaring vocal instrumentation of Ricky Dillard’s choir.

The origins of Sweet, Sweet Spirit trace back nearly thirty years. When Mrs. Carter transitioned to a live-in care facility, her daughters requested that Ron arrange and record ten of her most beloved hymns. Carter composed and captured his bass interpretations so she could listen to them during her final weeks; a private gift of music, memory, and devotion.

To bring this vision to life, there was only one choice: Dr. Ricky Dillard, the reigning force and master of contemporary Gospel choir music. Together, Carter and Dillard crafted a sonic landscape where choir becomes instrument, bass becomes narrator, and both genres coexist with reverence and innovation. The project marks a monumental moment for both genres; a merging of two Black American art forms, each with deep spiritual and cultural roots, into something wholly new.

About Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Sweet, Sweet Spirit is as much a tribute as it is a musical innovation — a modern gospel-jazz hybrid album woven from the memories, hymns, and spiritual moments that shaped the Carter family. Each track pays homage to Mrs. Willie O. Carter, whose spirit and devotion echo through every arrangement.

With Carter’s iconic bass at the helm and Dillard’s powerhouse choir elevating the hymns to the heavens, listeners can feel the warmth, beauty, and eternal resonance of a mother’s love. When the album plays, one can almost imagine her smiling in joy — and faith.

Photo Credit: Paul C. Rivera

Motown Gospel/Blue Note Records