Nicholas Payton and Action Affirmative at Birdland

Since 1994 when Nicholas Payton made his recording debut as a leader with "From This Moment," the trumpeter has been lauded as one of the leading young instrumental voices in jazz. Even though he started out as a "young lion," one of the new generation guardians of the swing and bebop flames, the 38-year-old Payton has devoted himself to discovering sounds outside of strict traditional confines. Having grown up in a family and community of musicians in New Orleans, Payton has built his unique voice by melding a post-bop foundation, a heavy emphasis on groove, a soulful history and various experimental elements...

read more

Since 1994 when Nicholas Payton made his recording debut as a leader with "From This Moment," the trumpeter has been lauded as one of the leading young instrumental voices in jazz. Even though he started out as a "young lion," one of the new generation guardians of the swing and bebop flames, the 38-year-old Payton has devoted himself to discovering sounds outside of strict traditional confines. Having grown up in a family and community of musicians in New Orleans, Payton has built his unique voice by melding a post-bop foundation, a heavy emphasis on groove, a soulful history and various experimental elements. The New York Times has called Payton, "abundantly gifted," while Music Direct describes his latest group including trumpet, piano, Fender Rhodes, bass, drums, percussion and vocals as "Soulful, pensive and romantic."

show less