Nicholas Payton started out as a “young lion of jazz,” heralded as one of the new-generation guardians of the hard bop flame. Since then, the trumpeter has been lauded as a significant, top-tier voice in jazz. Nicholas has consistently committed himself to discovering his voice outside of the strict confines of that rearview mirror approach to the music. With this, we have a compelling artist and an over-the-top evening when Nicholas is joined with his dynamic band.