Jazz Articles about Nicholas Payton

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Nicholas Payton: Relaxin' with Nick

by Mike Jurkovic
December 2, 2019

This percolating trio date of brothers from different riff mothers—bassist Peter Washington, drummer Kenny Washington and Nicholas Payton—is a bit misleading. In this setting Payton is a quartet unto himself, sailing with his trumpet while playing elegant piano/Fender Rhodes, electronics, and the occasional rap/vocal that we needn't discuss pro or con. Given all that, Relaxin' with Nick throws new color on the casual trio setting, and what else would you expect from a fleet, forward thinker like Payton?

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Nicholas Payton at GetCloser Jazz Fest 2018

by Roberto Cifarelli
May 28, 2018

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Nicholas Payton: Afro-Caribbean Mixtape

by Mark F. Turner
June 27, 2017

In 2011 New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton set fire to social media with his outspoken views on the death of jazz, race and Black American music. The backdraft produced not only fiercely opposing views but also hate-mail directed towards Payton. While the debate continues on what is and what isn't jazz, there's never been a question about Payton's talent or abilities. Throughout his discography as a Postmodern New Orleans musician, Payton's mastery of the horn is without reproach and sung ...

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The Wee Trio: Wee +3

by Dan Bilawsky
December 7, 2016

The Wee Trio delivered quite a bit of variety over the course of its first four albums. The first two--Capitol Diner, Vol. I (Bionic Records, 2008) and Capitol Diner, Vol. II: Animal Style (Bionic Records, 2010)--established the musical ground and syntax that are part and parcel of this three-way partnership; Ashes To Ashes: A David Bowie Intraspective (Bionic Record, 2012) demonstrated much of what can be done to mutate and honor David Bowie's music, almost foretelling the growth of Bowie-inflected ...

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Nicholas Payton Trio at Dazzle

by Geoff Anderson
March 9, 2016

Nicholas Payton Trio Dazzle Denver, CO March 5, 2016 Payton or Peyton? Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. They're both from New Orleans. Both Payton and Peyton are in the entertainment business. They've both recently wrapped up brief stays in Denver. And they are (or in the case of Peyton, were) a couple of the best in their respective businesses. Payton played is last gig in Denver Sunday night as part two ...

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Stevie Holland: Life Goes On

by C. Michael Bailey
July 26, 2015

Vocalist Stevie Holland has blazed quite a path for herself. She is fifteen years into a career that has produced seven recordings, the most recent being the present impressionistic Life Goes On. While always refined, Holland takes her refinement to a gilded level that is almost a vapor, an essence. She never overuses her perfectly balanced soprano voice, erring always on the side of sophistication and pure simplicity. Holland approaches ten Gary William Friedman-arranged standards and originals like Matisse beginning ...

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Nicholas Payton: Sketches of Brilliance

by Nicholas F. Mondello
November 18, 2013

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton has distinguished himself over the decades as a continually evolving artist of significant vision, artistry and focus. He's a musician who knows, respects and displays his roots, knows where he's at now and where he's going creatively. Under his own BMF Records label, Payton recently released Sketches of Spain a new recording with Payton performing the Miles Davis/Gil Evans classic live--a daunting accomplishment. His original composition, “Black American Symphony" is a forthcoming release. All About ...