It's probably not correct to refer to a 28-year-old man as "precocious," but here's the deal: Jazz pianist Emmet Cohen has played piano since he was 3 and has been an increasingly resonant presence on the New York music scene for quite a while.

In fact, earlier this year, Cohen released the second in his amazing and, ah, precocious "Masters Legacy Series" of recordings. This one features iconic bassist Ron Carter; the first, out last year, boasted immortal saxophonist Jimmy Cobb. That well established heroes from the Old Guard are happy to play and create with Cohen is pretty amazing. On the other hand, listen to either or both of those discs and absorb Cohen's riverine technique, dymanics and expansive pallet — and you'll see why he's ascending like a rocket.

In thematically consistent fashion, Cohen hits Old Lyme's Side Door Jazz Club for shows Friday and Saturday. In addition to his usual rhythm section of bassist Joey Ranieri and drummer Evan Sherman, tenor sax legend Houston Person will be part of the proceedings.

Emmet Cohen Trio with Houston Person, 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme; $50; (860) 434-0886.