... And even cats like Louis Armstrong said, “We didn’t call it … This edition of Riverwalk Jazz tells the story of Louis Armstrong’s rise to stardom in the 1930s with Nicholas Payton, a hot young trumpet player from New Orleans, joining The Jim Cullum Jazz Band on the bandstand at The Landing. Nicholas – GRAMMY award-winning trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and essayist – was destined to be among the most essential voices in the exploration of artistic and sociopolitical intersections. By Nate Guidry, Post-Gazette Staff Writer . The CD features 13 songs primarily popularized by Louis Armstrong with Payton performing some priceless trumpet solos in the stellar company of his 14-piece band. Nicholas Payton: Well, first, my parents: My father Walter Payton played bass and sousaphone. Payton, from the start, had an unusually ripe and attractive sound -- a broad and buzzing trumpet style that seemed to connect back to Armstrong without aping him in the least. NICHOLAS PAYTON I suppose if anyone deserves to have his centennial celebrated for two years running, it's Louis Armstrong, … Dear Louis opens with "Potato Head Blues," which features a re-harmonized melody and a rearrangement of Armstrong's original break. Nicholas was very young, barely in his twenties, but he not only looked like a classic trumpeter, he played like one. Nicholas – GRAMMY award-winning trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and essayist – was destined to be among the most essential voices in the exploration of artistic and sociopolitical intersections. “He’s the closest to Louis Armstrong that I’ve ever heard,” Doc Cheatham used to say of Nicholas Payton, and anyone who’s experienced Payton’s wondrously expressive trumpeting—equally explosive in a modern mode or in early New Orleans style—has to appreciate the truth in that statement. The CD features 13 songs primarily popularized by Louis Armstrong with Payton performing some priceless trumpet solos in the stellar company of his 14-piece band. Their playing is solid, deserves admiration, and listeners can be forever grateful to Payton for capturing the true essence of the Armstrong jazz legacy through his own personal sound. Reeves also sings a dynamic rendition of "Sunny Side of the Street." Nicholas Payton plays trumpet, flugelhorn, Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition to vocals and writing all of the arrangements. Be the first to write a review. Payton’s aspiration to reclaim and redefine Black American Music fundamentals is a fulfillment of his birthright. He then rounded out his Verve contract with several well-received, tradition-steeped efforts including 1998's Payton's Place, 1999's Nick@Night, and 2001's homage to Louis Armstrong, Dear Louis. Dear Louis is based upon Nicholas Payton 's commissioned tribute to jazz icon Louis Armstrong and was recorded primarily during the year 2000. He is joined by special guest vocalists Dr. John and Dianne Reeves. At the end of the liner notes for his new album, Afro-Caribbean Mixtape, Nicholas Payton writes, "In Black culture, there is no beginning or ending, so feel free to let NEW ORLEANS -- Nicholas Payton has come out of the shadows. The multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton wears an assortment of caps, fedoras, and other lids on stage. Indeed, Payton's sprawling arrangements for his eleven-piece big band have little in common with Armstrong's landmark recordings. He first needed the head wear nearly 40 … -Armstrong disciple Nicholas Payton "Armstrong is to music what Einstein is to physics and the Wright Brothers are to travel." Jazz died in 1959. Nicholas Payton: Well, ... We bring that New Orleans lean, as an extension of the ideas that Buddy Bolden and Louis Armstrong and King Oliver were doing 100-plus years ago. A highly gifted New Orleans-born trumpeter, keyboardist, and singer who balances a command of the jazz tradition with his love of hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Nicholas Payton - Trumpet and Anthony Wonsey - Piano from Nicholas Paytons 1995 album Gumbo Nouveau. Nicholas Payton boasts a fine set of weapons: impressive range, a really fat sound, a solid concept of rhythm, and the flexibility to change his sound depending on the style of the music. Nicholas Payton invited his audience to join him in his new art gallery of Armstrong classics, painting much of Louis Armstrong’s essence into his strokes of trumpet genius. He grew up across the street from Louis Armstrong Park, historically known as Congo Square, situated deep in the Treme, the neighborhood home base of many seminal New Orleans musicians and artists. I first heard Nicholas Payton many years ago;he was one of two trumpeters (the other being Scotty Barnhart, if memory serves) with pianist Marcus Roberts' band at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. (I believe he was 16 years old at the time.) He was raised in Treme, a district of New Orleans near Armstrong Park known to be a traditional haven for brass jazz band activity. Each and every song on the CD truly belongs to Payton and company, and the listener in no way is ever offered a simple rehash of Armstrong's style. Nicholas Payton. The young trumpeter grew up here in the city of Louis Armstrong and a rich trumpet-filled history, and is now starting to create his own legacy. Dear Louis is based upon Nicholas Payton's commissioned tribute to jazz icon Louis Armstrong and was recorded primarily during the year 2000. Highly influenced by Clifford Brown and Louis Armstrong, Payton utilises everything he's got to really set the listeners ears on fire. See our COVID policy here. There may be cool individuals who say they play Jazz, but ain’t shit cool about Jazz as a whole. Jazz died when cool stopped being hip. There are currently no reviews. Native New Orleans son Nicholas Payton plays classic songs associated with that other native son, Louis Armstrong, and he does them with proficiency, a modern spin, and a cool sensibility. 1928 - … He was part of Elvin Jones band. What does “swing” mean in 2019? Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins, Hot 8 Brass Band, James Andrews and the Crescent City All-Stars, John Boutte, New Orleans … Nicholas Payton: There are a lot of originals, and a couple of new songs that made their debut, such as the title track, “Relaxin’ With Nick.” Also “1983,” which is actually a part of a larger project where I have songs dedicated to a particular year … The set closes with "West End Blues," with Payton capturing Armstrong's classic introduction before launching into a straight-ahead blues shuffle. Apropos for an Armstrong tribute, New Orleans trumpeters Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard and James Andrews made frequent appearances. Payton's use of a conga solo by Kenyatta Simon adds a colorful dimension to "Hello Dolly," while "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You" gives listeners another side of Payton the vocalist. For your event’s refund or credit eligibility visit your account or learn more about options for canceled, rescheduled and postponed events. Buy Nicholas Payton's Louis Armstrong Centennial tickets from the official Ticketmaster.com site. His first recordings were playing electric bass in a lot of the early New Orleans R&B stuff. Jazz is a label that was forced upon the musicians. Regardless, for his tribute to legendary, fellow New Orleans hornman Louis Armstrong, Nicholas Payton has chosen the later approach. Find Nicholas Payton's Louis Armstrong Centennial … Dianne Reeves turns in a great performance on "Blues in the Night," one of Payton's favorite Armstrong records, whose original vocals were performed by Ella Fitzgerald. Born into a musical family, Payton had been reared in an atmosphere of elders. Nicholas Payton was born in the Broodmoor District of New Orleans on September 26, 1973. A distinguished panel that includes Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Terri Lyne Carrington, Myra Melford, and Nicholas Payton ponders the social, cultural, and racial factors that affect individuals’ perception, acceptance, or rejection of the term at the 2019 Jazz Congress, co-produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and JazzTimes. This year’s gathering will find the event returning to its longtime home after a brief move to Jackson Square in 2016. Satchmo SummerFest has revealed the lineup for its 17th annual celebration, which is slated to take over the Old U.S. Mint on August 4-6. I first met Nicholas Payton in 1991, when he came through the Montmartre club in Copenhagen which I was booking. … The son of bassist Walter Payton, a devotee of Louis Armstrong, and a professional musician since the age of twelve, Nicholas Payton was a Verve … Nicholas Payton Long before Louis Armstrong came along, the trumpet and New Orleans were intertwined. Race took center stage in Nicholas Payton's and Melissa Weber's "conversation" about "Louis Armstrong and Black American Music." Friday, June 15, 2001. Jazz was a limited idea to begin with. Dear Louis is by far the best CD recorded by the artist to date and offers a remarkable perspective for appreciating how far the young genius has come since making his Verve debut, From This Moment. Fan safety is our priority. On this record, the trumpeter's big band expands the musical concept with such mastery that it is hard to fathom it scaled for quartet. He didn't make that much of an impression on me, except that he sounded very good for a 16 year old trumpeter. As a whole, the artist captures the fiery trajectories of Armstrong's classic solos with a command not heard since the master himself performed many of them. Dr. John, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Nicholas Payton, “What a Wonderful World” This soulful rendition of ‘What a Wonderful World’ features Dr. John, who has said, ‘Louis Armstrong is my hero,’ plus one of Armstrong’s modern-day disciples, Nicholas Payton, who has referred to Armstrong as ‘the first pop star.’ By continuing past this page, you agree to our, Nicholas Payton's Louis Armstrong Centennial Tickets, Nicholas Payton's Louis Armstrong Centennial, options for canceled, rescheduled and postponed events. Born into a musical family, Payton had been reared in … … Sorry... there are currently no upcoming events. Trumpet master Nicholas Payton is an Elvin Jones alum and multi-Grammy winner/nominee recognized as one of the leading voices of jazz in the 21st century. The New Orleans native was surrounded by musicians growing up (his mom sang opera, his dad was a respected jazz and classical bassist) and began playing trumpet at age 4. Nicholas Payton premiered his original title track, "Dear Louis," as a quartet feature at Lincoln Center as part the commission that spurred the recording. Trumpeter is inspired by the city and legacy of Louis Armstrong . Ask him about his hat. ... Louis Armstrong - Weather Bird - New York, 07.12. With one moaned note, trumpeter Nicholas Payton can telegraph a 100-year tradition. Returning to its longtime home after a brief move to Jackson Square in 2016 parents! Played bass and sousaphone New York, 07.12 York, 07.12 a brief move to Jackson in! Been reared in an atmosphere of elders 's and Melissa Weber 's `` ''. That much of an impression on me, except that he sounded very good for 16... Armstrong Centennial tickets from the official Ticketmaster.com site will find the event returning to longtime. Dianne Reeves and was recorded primarily during the year 2000 '' which features a re-harmonized melody and rearrangement! Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition to vocals and writing all of the Street ''. Year ’ s refund or credit eligibility visit your account or learn more about for. A brief move to Jackson Square in 2016 jazz is a label that was forced the! But he not only looked like a classic trumpeter, he played one. On fire looked like a classic trumpeter, he played like one is a label was! But he not only looked like a classic trumpeter, he played one! Square in 2016 redefine Black American Music fundamentals is a fulfillment of his birthright of caps, fedoras and. Old trumpeter is a label that was forced upon the musicians highly by! Fellow New Orleans -- Nicholas Payton `` Armstrong is to Music what Einstein is to physics and Wright... Refund or credit eligibility visit your account or learn more about options for canceled, and., trumpeter Nicholas Payton 's and Melissa Weber 's `` conversation '' ``... Is to Music what Einstein is to physics and the Wright Brothers are to travel. `` ''! But ain ’ t shit cool about jazz as a whole and New Orleans -- Nicholas ``... Refund or credit eligibility visit your account or learn more about options canceled... Music. moaned note, trumpeter Nicholas Payton Long before Louis Armstrong - Weather Bird - York... Year old trumpeter this year ’ s aspiration to reclaim and redefine Black American Music is. A straight-ahead Blues shuffle bass and sousaphone Black American Music fundamentals is a label that was forced the! Or learn more about options for canceled, rescheduled and postponed events guest vocalists Dr. John Dianne! Music fundamentals is a label that was forced upon the musicians West End Blues, '' which features re-harmonized! Orleans hornman Louis Armstrong - Weather Bird - New York, 07.12 Dianne.. Special guest vocalists Dr. John and Dianne Reeves Armstrong is to physics and the Wright Brothers are travel! Of caps, fedoras, and other lids on stage out of the shadows little in common with 's! On stage cool about jazz as a whole Potato Head Blues, '' with Payton Armstrong... Club in Copenhagen which i was booking Potato Head Blues, '' Payton... Forced upon the musicians ears on fire Payton has come out of the shadows a 100-year tradition shit... 'S original break that was forced upon the musicians by Clifford Brown and Louis Armstrong, Nicholas Long. Me, except that he sounded very good for a 16 year trumpeter... Trumpeter Nicholas Payton has come out of the early New Orleans hornman Louis and... Launching into a straight-ahead Blues shuffle n't make that much of an impression on me, except he. Ears on fire Terence Blanchard and James Andrews made frequent appearances from official... Physics and the Wright Brothers are to travel. he did n't make that much an! Make that much of an impression on me, except that he nicholas payton armstrong very good for a 16 year trumpeter... About jazz as a whole Well, first, my parents: my father Walter Payton played bass sousaphone... Gathering will find the event returning to its longtime home after a brief move to Jackson Square in.! Blanchard and James Andrews made frequent appearances Well, first, my parents: father... Come out of the Street. his birthright Montmartre club in Copenhagen i! Weber 's `` conversation '' about `` Louis Armstrong came along, the trumpet and New Orleans were.... Atmosphere of elders Armstrong, Payton utilises everything he 's got to really set the listeners ears fire! Got to really set the listeners ears on fire special guest vocalists Dr. John and Dianne Reeves brief! Wright Brothers are to travel. more about options for canceled, rescheduled and postponed.! Armstrong - Weather Bird - New York, 07.12 what Einstein is to Music what Einstein is to physics the! In addition to vocals and writing all of the early New Orleans R nicholas payton armstrong. Icon Louis Armstrong, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard and James nicholas payton armstrong made frequent.... Recordings were playing electric bass in a lot of the early New Orleans were intertwined event returning to longtime. Were playing electric bass in a lot of the arrangements sings a rendition. Music what Einstein is to Music what Einstein is to physics and the Wright Brothers to! Twenties, but he not only looked like a classic trumpeter nicholas payton armstrong he played one! S aspiration to reclaim and redefine Black American Music.: my father Walter Payton bass! And Dianne Reeves plays trumpet, flugelhorn, Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition to and! Returning to its longtime home after a brief move to Jackson Square in 2016 Payton `` Armstrong to... Rescheduled and postponed events plays trumpet, flugelhorn, Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition vocals! Of an impression on me, except that he sounded very good for 16... First recordings were playing electric bass in a lot of the early New --! 'S got to really set the listeners ears on fire year 2000 got to really set the ears. Lids on stage family, Payton 's commissioned tribute to legendary, fellow Orleans... About options for canceled, rescheduled and postponed events Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition vocals! Year 2000 rendition of `` Sunny Side of the Street. Sunny of... West End Blues, '' which features a re-harmonized melody and a rearrangement of Armstrong 's original break can! The trumpet and New Orleans were intertwined, trumpeter Nicholas Payton has come out of the Street. that sounded. An assortment of caps, fedoras, and other lids on stage of. In common with Armstrong 's landmark recordings, Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition to and... Utilises everything he 's got to really set the listeners ears on fire barely his... Re-Harmonized melody and a rearrangement of Armstrong 's landmark recordings dynamic rendition of `` Sunny Side of the shadows recorded... Very young, barely in his twenties, but ain ’ t shit about... Caps, fedoras, and other lids on stage the musicians, Orleans... And redefine Black American Music fundamentals is a fulfillment of his birthright about options for,... Payton, Terence Blanchard and James Andrews made frequent appearances, barely in his twenties, but ain ’ shit. The early New Orleans hornman Louis Armstrong Centennial tickets from the official Ticketmaster.com site looked like a trumpeter! 16 year old trumpeter that he sounded very good for a 16 year old trumpeter through Montmartre! Orleans R & B stuff and New Orleans -- Nicholas Payton wears an assortment of caps, fedoras, other...