MUSIC

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton created a sensation in the jazz world when he first earned national recognition at the forefront of the straight-ahead jazz resurgence of the early 1990's. Barely into his twenties when he made his first recording as a leader, Payton was celebrated for his warm trumpet tone and his style, which encompassed "the clarion tones and bluesy growls of Louis Armstrong and the fluidity and fire of modern masters" (-SF Chronicle). Since then, he has revealed undiscovered sides of his musical personality and talent in a wide variety of acclaimed projects, including a tribute to Louis Armstrong, a program of compositions by Herbie Hancock, a Grammy-winning duet album with jazz trumpet pioneer Doc Cheatham, an album of funky electronic fusion, and many more.

 Payton's 2008 album Into the Blue focuses on musical fundamentals, with tremendous results. Powerful melodies, danceable tempos, and uncluttered elegance characterize the album's ten selections, which showcase Payton's lyrical improvisations, gorgeous tone, and superb writing with a "rewardingly informal vibe" (-New York Times).