Nicholas Payton Trio: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nov. 2, 2018 | Suraya Mohamed -- He should have been exhausted, but instead played the Tiny Desk with incredible stamina, holding a single trumpet note that lasted longer than most people can hold their breath. In the days just before this performance, Nicholas Payton played at the Joy of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, then Santiago, Chile and, finally, New York City. A member of his team drove them the four hours from NYC so he could nap in the car and be ready to play.
Payton dazzled the audience, simultaneously playing his trumpet and a Fender Rhodes. It's his signature, resonant sound. With the rest of his trio - the rhythmic precision of drummer Jonathan Barber and bassist Ben Williams - Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time.
All three compositions in this set are from Payton's 2017 album, Afro-Caribbean Mixtape. "It is often said that New Orleans is the northernmost region of the Caribbean," says Payton on his website. "Africa is the source of all rhythms. The Afro-Caribbean Mixtape is a study of how those rhythms were dispersed by way of the Middle Passage throughout Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico, then funneled through the mouthpiece of New Orleans to North America and the rest of the world."
Racial constructs are notably relevant in the last tune, "Jazz Is A Four-Letter Word," which was inspired by the autobiography of drummer and activist Max Roach. You can even hear Roach's sampled voice, fused into the infectious groove, a narrative of black consciousness on display. Ideology aside, the music was on point and the audience couldn't help but sing and clap as the trio took us out on a soulful rhythmic vamp.
Set List
"Kimathi"
"Othello"
"Jazz Is A Four-Letter Word"
Credits
Producers: Suraya Mohamed, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kaylee Domzalski, Beck Harlan; Editor: Production Assistant: Brie Martin; Photo: Cameron Pollack/NPR

[@theskankinponch]

Is it just me or does it drive anyone else crazy when the first thing out of a persons mouth when they hear the word jazz is "... I love how relaxing it is".

[@TheLifeOfTexan]

"Jazz is so boring" no you just have broke ass ears

[@charlietheorca5390]

Jazz gets me fucking PUMPED

[@helloworld-vc8lq]

"Jazz, it's dying!"

[@rhythmfield]

“Jazz isn’t dead, it just smells funny” -Frank Zappa ... smells like some good stanky fonk!

[@colinthorn]

No, it isn't just you, there's a silent army of us that feel the same. It's the LEAST boring/easy music there is. I think most people's ears have turned to cloth (musically speaking) by the time they're in their teens. I once read that they did experiments with preschoolers and their favourite music turned out to be free jazz, they were rocking to Ornette and Dolphy. I once had a friend who would make fun of me for studying The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD for hours on end (when we used to have to consider how to spend our hard-earned cash carefully before splashing it on CDs). In the meantime she'd be studying fashion mags and catalogues maybe even more intensely! Each to their own, but it still disappoints me how 99% of people miss out on this kind of musical treasure ...

[@Herehear49]

Fantastic sound, great trio!!! Maybe NPR stands for Nicholas Payton Rules for this one. Give the sound engineer(s) a well deserved raise. Jazz lives on thanks to wonderful musicians like these gents.

[@tomswill9189]

Facts

[@RicardoUrquizaMusic]

He hates that word

[@leandroirarragorri4671]

@@RicardoUrquizaMusic hahahaha hilarious comment by mr gannon. especially after he watched this 15min performance of "jazz is a four letter word" with all the samples by mach roach and miles davis.......

[@peytonsmith9390]

The drummer fire. Snare is popping too!

[@iandoesallthethings]

Minimalism at it's best. Also a leftie traditional grip, which I'm reasonably sure I've never seen before. Especially on a rightie kit. :p

[@derrickulous]

that snare has been mastered...

[@giftedlift3354]

Yessir!

[@diaspo]

Yer man can look cool, play the organ and play the trumpet all at the same time. Absolute triple threat!

[@cyberschn1tzel997]

Look cool, play the trumpet, look like he plays the organ while playing rhodes, all at the same time!

[@uncommonsense9711]

😮😮😮

[@edmcguigan3501]

You forgot "sing".

[@chriscorey8125]

Look cool, play Rhodes, Clavinet (with a wah wah) and trumpet at same time.

[@yanoch2008]

5 years after : I am continuing to watch/listen this record ! Thanks NP Trio !

[@Benfreidkin22]

This is perfect. I mean really, every instrument here is doing exactly what the music requires. SO TASTEFUL! From that tiny hi hat, to the popping snare, to the dead floor tom, that fat and groovy bass played by mr. Williams and those hot keys and cool trumpet. I mean seriously, this is just what I needed today. INSPIRED!

[@0biWanJacobi]

Ben Freidkin agreed these guys are killer

[@gleventhal]

What would you call the groove the drummer is playing here? It sounds almost like a straight feel, linear funk type of thing. I want to read a bit about this style of drumming, and idea what you would call this style?

[@benfriedle804]

Nice name

[@Stallagmite]

Circular breathing on the trumpet while he plays the keys...wow.

[@rhythmfield]

Fine young drummer Mr Barber playing beautiful ‘brushes’ barehanded 10:25 - superb, beautiful - and I had no idea Mr Payton is such an excellent vocalist

[@bigtymer0823]

playing keys while playing trumpet, wow... Incredible, how is this possible ?

[@jerryeykholt8218]

Still grieving the loss of Roy Hargrove, and this softens it, gracefully... “...for you already know”. Thanks also for the tribute to Max Roach, brothers. I had to say a few 4 letter words. It’s not about the talent, but the integrity of the message.

[@woodsoncircle]

Really?? Wow I didn't hear that. I loved Roy's music. This is sad to hear.

[@debbyatbarwon]

We were at the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival in Victoria Australia last weekend and there was a young band called Forq (who were brilliant btw) and they paid tribute to Roy Hargrove. Now I have to do some homework because, sadly, I hadn't heard of him. This trio is brilliant.

[@danielbishop6397]

Nobody been saying shit about Roy. I hope his imprint and influence are recognized. He's been a torchbearer and spiritual medium his whole career. I feel like people stayed quiet because of his drug habits. None of us are "clean" he lived and died for the music and we owe him noting but thanks.

[@calebovich]

I’ve been a fan of Nicholas Payton since I was a teenager. Unique sound

[@JS-ym1tp]

Very unique

[@nwananka]

30 secs in i had to go grab my earphones. Groovy

[@NullCreativityMusic]

I had to turn up my monitors. Good stuff indeed!

[@PrinceJayWhey]

😂 more like 15 seconds in

[@jonattan08mendoza]

By far one of the best tiny concerts! 😻😻😻

[@veepeeization]

I don't think "by far" works with "one of the best", but ok

[@nabtimehdi]

I love all Nicholas Payton work since the first time I heard him, Kansas City movie soundtrack. Like Roy Hargrove, they are Miles Davis legacy.

[@jermainelong1843]

Instantly gripped by the opening clavi riff🎹😎 This is really a three man quartet😉

[@manubeckerman]

"Othello" reminded me of Chet Baker and Stan Getz! Absolutely beautiful.

[@theuncleodisshowpodcast2018]

My Man Playing that thang and chords at the same damn time😳✊🏿✌🏿❤️ Jazz ain’t Dead☝🏿

[@dscotthampton6789]

Excellent musicians! Thank you NPR!

[@mspussygalore]

*I could listen to them all day* ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@CarlCampbell]

Wow! Surprised no one´s saying anything about that creamy bass solo!...

[@castroleiro]

He was cooking the whole set.

[@petehoward6143]

He is wonderful. The bass solo in Othello. Yeah, amazing. And how to provide counter-melody that doesn't take over....

[@jakehawthorn]

Headhunters vibe, I like it.

[@carrico504]

Another great musician birthed from the great city of New Orleans ⚜️

[@LanceRohde]

This is incredible! Hats off to Nicholas Payton and his band. And the sound engineer and who mixed it down!

[@eugenepayne7914]

This trio is so dope. Excellent performance. First time hearing this artist, and trio. They have blessed my ears along with my soul. Got a fan here. This is that real music.

[@stanleyjohnson78]

It amazes me how a friend drove them four hours just so he can rest to play for tiny desk

[@jameswells6131]

Love the Cello playing, Drums, Trumpet, and keys... It's all GooD!

[@intrepidpooch]

james wells there's no cello...

[@conservwater]

Those plaid pants. Fire. And Nicholas did his thing on this new release LOVE IT!

[@LadobaBr]

This is just so beautiful I can't handle!

[@rtclark5683]

BAM wonderful job to Mr. Payton and his trio

[@hing420]

Man i saw this guy play way back in ‘07 with Joshua Redman and Bobby Hutcherson along with a bunch of others. It was an incredible show

[@carltoncotter2614]

So so good. Thank you, NPR Music.

[@RafaelAntunes_rafarte]

Thank you for that!!!!! For real!!! Greetings from Brasil.

[@tudanski]

They are all amazing - Drummer is so soulful

[@thetrumpetsource1270]

Shredding! Piano and trumpet. Monster on trumpet and just skilled at whatever he puts his mind to 🎺 🔥

[@samsukepicotiri2919]

Thank you for this wonderful music. I appreciate a lot.

[@dw8730]

This truly makes my heart smile!

[@gregvang5164]

made my day, excellent, thank you sirs

[@maa8883]

that snare :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@wilhelm4089]

Superb gentleman, bravo.

[@heatherlanee134]

Absolutely amazing!!!!

[@messiahblack4816]

This is so dope love how he incorporated some hip hop flava! R.I.P. Roy Hargrove this performance reminded me of him...Nicholas Payton himself when he's on keys reminds me of George Duke..

[@aquaman7516]

So glad I clicked on this....I am a new fan!!!!💗💗💗

[@xander1980]

Beyond amazing! The nerve in this saves the day!

[@jackaro2]

These guys are amazing.

[@crashroots]

really amazing concert, thank you!

[@paega86]

I believe that this is the definition of Jazz!

[@SeniorMojo]

first 5 seconds and you know it will be fire!

[@elpuma70]

this makes my ears feel really good.

[@Kardiacarrest]

Thank you NPR and Mr. Payton. I’m ready for that Japanese whiskey on the rocks........

[@FAMUAN1997]

I’ve seen Nic play dozens of times at different venues in NYC over the years. His versatility is absolutely incredible: traditional bebop, hardbob, Avant Garde, jazz fusion, and hip-hop jazz. Even though I’m mostly a die-hard jazz traditionalist (40’s-early 60’s era), Nic and his different band arrangements are MUST-SEE! 🙌🏽

[@tomswill9189]

This dude playing 2 instruments. At the same time. Wow remarkable. Who does that. Nicholas Payton my man. Bad Bad Bad man.

[@ashleylewis8796]

I really really enjoyed this!!!

[@GotToBeMeTV]

one of my favs of all

[@halhal98]

As a huge fan of n.payton, thank npr for the vid.

[@thawhiteflip]

To everyone in the comment sections using the word "jazz", go look up what Nick Payton says about jazz and Black American Music. Jazz is an arbitrary categorization that comes from a sinister place. Hence the title of the song "jazz is a four letter word" #BAM

[@charleskatz2606]

Keep comin back to this OMG -Payton and his men are a four letter WORD.....

[@mmando3741]

love love love this is art

[@SuperICEMIKE]

the Dopest Musician on the Planet! And a Cool Catt for Real!!!* INCREDIBLE*

[@fabriziotorreblanca9860]

Beautiful music

[@m-l7127]

He's amazingly talented. The whole band is superb. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BLUE NOTE SHOW NYC !!!!

[@KathyWeathersbeeSC]

THANK YOU NPRah, YOU ARE THE BOMB!

[@tomswill9189]

Love this dudes music.He is a bad man.

[@0tak0I]

Beautiful!

[@DirkJongen]

Daaaamn this is SMOOTH

[@GRACEiisCOOL]

Loooooove thissss!!!

[@robertomarras8559]

A perfect trio ....

[@jessdelcan202]

Please invite "Hiatus Kaiyote" #prayer

[@sorrel7]

yes please!

[@uncommonsense9711]

I grew up around jazz musicians so I love reading thru the comments seeing musicians and those who appreciate this artform comment with such passion. ❤

[@potato-ud6qc]

hiatus kaiyote next please!!!! jazz is truly a part of the universe's gift as are other genres of music

[@zeppa2008]

Excelente Nicholas !!!!!

[@noirprncess]

I'm impressed. Looking for his albums now.....

[@GutoGrit]

Muito boa essa vibeee!

[@ta-tara]

I have no words to explain how it’s good

[@mycrownfitsfine]

So proud to see my childhood friend/family on here .. Big Salute to the Drummer JB

[@hippsdaughter1613]

GREAT PERFORMANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@merylymal6441]

So Freakin Dope...Hey Nick man this changed my day, mood and everything...Grovey Dean would Love This👍🏿

[@TPJN777]

Woah Jonathan Barber is a beast to be reckoned with!

[@megajames3000]

Good to see the OG on here

[@hombrequemiralaluna]

I love this.

[@Calibird77]

this is LOVELY!

[@MatSmithLondon]

First heard Payton on his Herbie Hancock tribute album collaborating with Christian McBride and guitarist Mark Whitfield. This album has become for me one of the most important re-interpretations of a jazz repertoire of all time. It's certainly one of my most played jazz albums of 25 years of serious listening. Personally I love its intimacy, may not be for you, but definitely go listen. This mini youtube concert is exciting for me, thank you NPR for this wonderful gift. What the hell, 15:04 that G7b13 chord where he hits a Bb on the keys over his Bb on the horn, that tuning game is unreal.

[@JS-ym1tp]

Point me to this album. What's the name of it? Before I read your comment I thought to myself, "I love his interpretation of Jazz."

[@Shannon-yl6dn]

This is afrocarribean mixtape :)

[@MatSmithLondon]

@@JS-ym1tp Sorry for the 4-year late response, but the album is called "Fingerpainting - the music of Herbie Hancock"! Still highly recommend this album - it's something else.

[@snowstrobe]

He's playing the trumpet and keyboard at the same time! Woah.

[@BassicBill]

Love it!!

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

Thanks for the good listen on the way to work.

[@user-ex3fv1dr5o]

와.! 넘 멋집니다. 최고 Dope!!!

[@scottrusling]

Wow! Just magic!

[@nico.m8346]

This is some tight tight rhythmic mastering....

[@ashleysapp1333]

beyonddd talented

[@servantofthemosthigh6094]

Definitely can hear Headhunters and Herbie on the 1st track. Track 2 is so silky smooth. Track 3, gotta luv dat Jazz. Nice job NPR

[@slmeucalesa1]

Some next level stuff here........

[@janneharkio]

Solid gold!

[@jermaineholland7108]

Just found this. Awesome set!

[@ProcidaAldo]

Payton top jazz musician!

[@vxtwist6325]

i was sent here 4 years ago and i missed the comment. I saw it today and im annoyed i missed out 4 years ago but im here now

[@Lauren-pm2sp]

So rad!

[@NeoSoulquarian]

I've been sleeping on this. SO dope! :)

[@tmacd777]

Insane musicians!!

[@edmcguigan3501]

Well now I have something else to drum along to on my cajon. Great music, great rhythm.

[@edmcguigan3501]

..and he can sing beautifully as well!

[@TheLadsonsouza]

Amazing!!

[@BreakbeatD17]

Aye some great vibing music vibes indeed🤙😁.