Nicholas Payton Trio with Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart

NICHOLAS PAYTON PLAYS BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC

On independence weekend, come celebrate the real spirit of independence, empowerment and pride with the Nicholas Payton Trio.

Payton is a powerful and singular voice in the Black American community — a renaissance man, artist, multi-instrumentalist, poet, writer, and social activist. His music is sexy, spiritual and funky—steeped in tradition and informed by his skill as a true modern-day genius.


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."