John Stein, a guitarist born and raised in Kansas City, made a home recording with vocalist Fay Whittaker and cellist Chris White in 1997. The recently released session is Stein’s twentieth album. The spare instrumentation and relaxed tone make the entirety of Among Friends enjoyable. Yet one track rises above genial pleasantries. Whittaker’s rich voice and Stein’s tasteful guitar beget an inspired version of “Autumn Nocturne.” Those who appreciate the classic duo of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass will be glad to have encountered it.