Relaxin' with Nick

“Multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton harnesses the intimacy of a spring 2019 gig at Smoke on RELAXIN' WITH NICK. – Monifa Brown, WBGO “Payton dazzled the audience, simultaneously playing his trumpet and a Fender Rhodes. It's his signature, resonant sound.” – Suraya Mohamed, NPR “He is allergic to the notion that one kind of black music — with a particular appeal to erudite, well-heeled, often white audiences — would be more culturally salient than other forms. He’s an advocate of throwing it all together: funk, Cuban grooves, city blues, early hip-hop.” – Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times *** Nicholas Payton’s RELAXIN’ WITH NICK brings the experience of witnessing Payton’s unparalleled live performances directly to the listener. Payton has evolved a singular approach to live performance, wedding his breathtaking voice on the trumpet to his own accompaniment on piano and Fender Rhodes. On this double album, he is joined by the renowned rhythm section of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington for a stellar set captured at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. It features Payton’s original compositions and a few well-chosen standards, all highlighting the virtuosic musicianship and thrilling camaraderie discovered together on the club’s intimate stage in front of an enraptured audience. Inspired by classic live albums such as Ahmad Jamal’s AT THE PERSHING: BUT NOT FOR ME, Payton was intent on highlighting both the vibe of the live club and the fresh sound of the band. “The particular way that Smoke is situated makes for even greater intimacy than your average club,” Payton says. “You can feel the atmosphere, you can feel the quiet. I like hearing the glasses clinking, the murmur of conversation and the excitement of finger-tapping. All of those elements lend themselves to the creative spirit and help set a mood.” In this intimate atmosphere, the trio feeds off the energy in the room and sparks a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience.