Sunday, February 19, on Jazz Tones on Wclk.com (3P.M. - 7P.M. EST), I will interview multi-instrumentalist and Grammy award-winner, Nicholas Payton. It is interesting to note that he rejects the word Jazz to describe his music, preferring Black American Music instead. P ayton has played multiple instruments all along, taking advantage of his father's position as a school band instructor. A New Orleanian and admirer of Louis Armstrong, he did not unveil his multi-instrumentalism on record until later on such albums as Nick@Night and Dear Louis , his 2001 Louis Armstrong tribute.
Constantly evolving, Payton leads a Big Band called Television Studio Orchestra and has composed a Black American Symphony. His symphony has been performed by three European orchestras but awaits a American presentation. His latest project, Afro Caribbean Mix Tape, includes Bassist Vicente Archer, Drummer Joe Dyson, Keyboardist Kevin Hayes, Percussionist Daniel Sadownick, and DJ Lady Fingaz. He calls this release "my most overt political statement." Late this year, he will release samples of black intellectuals and musicians on the Paytone label.
Additional information about Nicholas Payton can be found here.