Nicholas Payton: Nick@Night

Mark Corroto

Senior Contributor since 1999

Mark misses his large dog Louie, but endeavors daily to find and listen to new and interesting sounds.

Recent articles (997 total)

Published: November 1, 1999

A working band—Joy! It's uncommon today for major label to record their artist with his working band. But, surprisingly, Verve has done just that. Payton's quintet is a heavy swinging bop-oriented ensemble. This recording, like Miles' second great quintet, is more about band than it is about star. Individually its members have released records under their own names, but all are essentially this quintet. Of special note are Tim Warfield's Gentle Warrior and Adonis Rose's Song For Donise both on Criss Cross Records.

Payton, a twenty-something trumpeter, makes this his fourth release as leader, but he is a veteran of the Lincoln City Jazz Orchestra, has won a Grammy Award for his duo with Doc Cheatham, and has toured extensively with Elvin Jones. Payton will be considered as the generation of trumpeter born of the Wynton Marsalis revolution. But coming from a musical New Orleans family, his father is bassist Walter Payton and mother a classical pianist, Payton was walking towards this destiny, perhaps Wynton merely opened some doors.

The strong effort put forth by all involved both playing and composing makes this quintet candidate for best acoustic working outfit today.

Track Listing: Beyond the Stars; Captain Crunch (Meets the Cereal Killer); Faith; Pleasant Dreams; Interlude # 1 (Turn Up the Funk); Nick @ Night; Somnia; Interlude # 2 (Turn Out the Burn Out); Prince of the Night; Blacker Black's Revenge; Little Angel; Exquisite Tenderness; Sun Goddess.

Personnel: Nicholas Payton: trumpet, flugelhorn; Tim Warfield: tenor and soprano saxophones; Anthony Wonsey: piano, harpsichord, celeste; Reuben Rogers: bass; Adonis Rose:drums.

Record Label: Verve Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream