Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Nicholas Payton was born on September 26, 1973 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of bassist and sousaphonist Walter Payton. He took up the trumpet at age four and by nine was playing in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. Upon leaving school, he enrolled first at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and then at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis.

Payton toured with  Marcus Roberts and Elvin Jones  in the early 90s, signed a recording contract with Verve Records, and released his first album, From This Moment in 1994. In 1996 he performed on the soundtrack of the movie Kansas City.

After seven albums on Verve, Nicholas signed with Warner Bros. and would perform and record with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Nancy Wilson, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove Clark Terry, Allen Toussaint, and Joe Henderson among others. He is a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective and in 2008, he joined The Blue Note 7 in 2008, releasing an album the following year that produced a U.S. promotional tour.

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton also plays piano and is a prolific blogger and has written a notable blog titled “On the Difference Between Prejudice and Racism…” in which Payton theorizes that blacks cannot be racist because a prerequisite to racism is power.

He has recorded more than a dozen albums as a leader and sideman, received a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Solo for his playing on the album Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton and continues to compose, record and perform.

 

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PIECES OF A DREAM

Celebrating their 50th anniversary this October, Pieces of a Dream has built an impressive legacy of innovation and eclecticism – talents that have kept them fresh and authentic in a jazz world that’s ever-changing. The story of Pieces Of A Dream, who has opened for such luminaries as Miles Davis, Count Basie and James Brown, is a tale of destiny and brotherhood. Dubbed a “tough act to follow” by the legendary Count Basie, the band will bring their trademark catchy riffs, infectious grooves and compelling vocals to Keystone Korner Baltimore!

The Band:

Curtis Harmon ~ drums
James Lloyd ~ keyboards
Tony Watson ~ saxophone
Elec Simon ~ percussion
Stacey Richardson ~ vocals
Carolyn Brewer ~ keyboards & vocals
John Hall ~ bass

Cover: $65.00 ~ $75.00 | $5.56 – $6.26 fees
Streaming: $15.00 + $2.05 fee

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WILLIE JONES III QUARTET FEATURING ERIC REED

Willie Jones III is one of the world’s most celebrated drummers in modern jazz. As a band leader, Willie Jones III has sold out a series of sets at Dizzy’s Club in New York City, Club 1905 in Portland, the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles, Club Bebop in Buenos Aires, and Bimhuis in Amsterdam. The Los Angeles-born musician performed in the Roy Hargrove Quintet from 1998-2006. He was also one of two drummers in Hargrove’s powerhouse group RH Factor.

Jones has been featured on performances and tours with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and as a drummer of choice for legendary artists including Sonny Rollins, Ernestine  Anderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Frank Wess, Bill Charlap, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, and Hank Jones. He released his eighth album as a leader in 2025, a collection of a new composition by Jones as well as his jazz arrangements of timeless songs from the R&B and popular music canon including Earth Wind & Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love,” Debarge’s “All This Love,” and Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’.”

Eric Scott Reed has been a vital force in jazz for over 25 years, excelling as a leader, composer, producer, educator, and sideman with legends like Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis. His recordings, such as The Adventurous Monk and Groovewise, showcase his innovative approach to jazz standards and original compositions.

The Quartet:
Willie Jones III ~ Drums
Eric Reed ~ Piano
Danton Boller ~ Bass
Stacy Dillard ~ Saxophone

Tickets: $35.00 ~ $45.00 | $3.46 – $4.16 fee
Streaming: $15.00 + $2.05 fee

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BENNY GREEN

An adept jazz pianist with a deep understanding of the acoustic bebop, hard bop, and post-bop traditions, Benny Green built upon his early years as a prodigy, maturing into a nuanced and sophisticated virtuoso. Green emerged in the late ’80s, garnering praise for his work with veterans like Better Carter, Eddie Henderson, Art Blakey, and Ray Brown. He has regularly led his own groups, playing with luminaries like Peter Washington, Kenny Washington, Carl Allen, and Christian McBride, and releasing a bevy of well-regarded albums, including 1993’s That’s Right!, 1999’s These Are Soulful Days, and 2011’s Source.

He recorded many albums as a sideman throughout the 1980s and ’90s, including a duet with Diana Krall on her Grammy Award winning album, “All For You.” He recorded two albums as a leader for the Telarc label in the early 1990s, as well as two duo albums for the label with Russell Malone. Oscar Peterson named Benny as his protégé in 1992, and chose Benny as the recipient of the Glenn Gould Award for excellence in Music and Communication, as well as inviting him to record a two-piano album with him, entitled “Oscar and Benny.”

Cover: $35.00 ~ $45.00 | $3.46 – $4.16 fee
Streaming: $15.00 + $2.05 fee

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Requisites

Reflections ~ Frank Morgan Allstars | By Eddie Carter

I discovered Frank Morgan in the 80s while living in Cincinnati, Ohio and listening to WNOP 740 AM, the city’s then jazz station. This morning’s album from the library was his eighth release as a leader and seventh for Lester Koenig’s label. Reflections (Contemporary Records C-14052) by the Frank Morgan Allstars is the only album the group recorded together and isn’t a loose, thrown-together blowing session. The sextet is a powerhouse group of musicians: Frank Morgan on alto sax; Joe Henderson on tenor sax; Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone; Mulgrew Miller on piano; Ron Carter on bass; and Al Foster on drums. I own the 1989 U.S. stereo release.

The first side gets underway with Old Bowl, New Grits by Mulgrew Miller. The sextet’s easy-flowing melody gives way to Joe’s opening solo, inviting us to settle in. Bobby follows with a blissfully happy reading, then Frank continues motoring along next. Mulgrew gets the final word ahead of the theme's restatement and fade-out. The title track, Reflections by Thelonious Monk, shifts the energy toward Frank and Joe taking center stage for the enticingly delicate theme. Frank shows a tender vulnerability in the first interpretation. Joe takes over with a gracefully emotional response, then Bobby takes a sensitive, poignant turn, leading to the theme’s return and gorgeous ending.

Starting Over by Bobby Hutcherson picks the beat back up with a lively opening ensemble. Bobby comes out swinging hard first, then Frank dives into the second solo with surgical precision. Joe jumps right into the third reading next, then Mulgrew provides the exclamation point, soaring cheerfully into the ensemble’s vigorous reprise and climax. Side Two opens with the rhythm section’s introduction to Black Narcissus by Joe Henderson, segueing into a compelling front-line dialogue between Frank and Joe. Frank paints a delicate palette first, then Joe adds a few more elegant colors. Bobby infuses the third statement with tender beauty, and Mulgrew saves the best for last in a gorgeous finale before the close.

Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins affords everyone solo space and begins with the trio’s introduction to the sextet’s medium melody. Frank’s first solo is a great example of relaxed lyricism. Bobby follows with a bounce that’s pure artistry. Joe sets up the next reading perfectly, then Mulgrew keeps the line moving forward. Ron takes a short, satisfying walk before Al brings the curtain down, preceding the closing chorus. O.K. by Ron Carter is his tribute to album producer Orrin Keepnews, and the ensemble opens with a leisurely paced theme. The solo order is Frank, Joe, and Mulgrew before the melody’s reprise and Bobby, who gets the last word in a gentle fade to nothingness.

Orrin Keepnews produced the album; Danny Kopelson managed the recording console, and George Horn mastered the album. The recording is fantastic, with an exceptional soundstage and outstanding detail that emerges through your speakers with exceptional fidelity. Reflections by the Frank Morgan Allstars is a gorgeous album with an all- star lineup and a wonderful selection of tunes. If you’re a fan of the alto saxophonist and in the mood for a terrific blend of bop and modal jazz, I invite you to check it out on your next record shop visit. I’m sure it’ll be a welcome addition to your library, and you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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