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Nicholas Payton, The Bad Plus and More

By Joe Dimino

This week we open with the great Drummer Jerome Jennings, a musician who has a keen eye on the social issues and political environment of today, and a cut off his new album Solidarity. We also visit the world of The Bad Plus with a song off their newest and highly anticipated album called Activate Infinity. We also were fortunate to hear from Philadelphia musician Lucas Brown with his album Skyviews and Italian jazz cat Roberto Tola. We profile the ...

Nicholas Payton: Relaxin' with Nick

By Mike Jurkovic

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?

Nicholas Payton at GetCloser Jazz Fest 2018

By Roberto Cifarelli

Nicholas Payton: Afro-Caribbean Mixtape

By Mark F. Turner

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 ...

Nicholas Payton Trio at Dazzle

By Geoff Anderson

Nicholas Payton Trio Dazzle Denver, CO March 5, 2016 Payton or Peyton? Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. They're both from jny: New Orleans. Both Payton and Peyton are in the entertainment business. They've both recently wrapped up brief stays in jny: 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 ...

Nicholas Payton: Sketches of Brilliance

By Nicholas F. Mondello

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 ...

Nicholas Payton: Boston, February 24, 2011

By Andrew J. Sammut

Nicholas PaytonScullers Jazz ClubBoston, MAFebruary 24, 2011 Pressing the unmuted bell of his trumpet right up to the microphone, trumpet player Nicholas Payton invited, impressed, seduced and surprised the crowd at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston. Yet he never assaulted the audience, despite power and confidence to burn. Immense energy was being channeled, but never restrained. Thursday's 8:00 pm set began at the darkest ends of both register and mood. Payton's ...