NICHOLAS PAYTON

Into the Blue

2008-05-18

Nicholas Payton's first outing for Nonesuch gets the talented trumpeter back to recording in his New Orleans hometown, but don't expect loud and brassy 'Nawlins jazz. Instead, Payton explores the "blue" and "blues" side of jazz with generally quieter and reflective pieces -- although you will hear the occasional influence of Louis Armstrong in this work. You'll also hear Miles Davis. Payton calls Louis and Miles the "Old and New Testament" of jazz trumpeters. "Nida" and "The Charleston Hop" are the most up-tempo pieces in this set; I also liked the beauty of "Chinatown" and "Drucilla." The trumpeter adds his own vocal to "Blue." 05/08 MJVD J-Contemporary (Instrumental)

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