LIVE STREAM: Nicholas Payton at the Wisconsin Union Theater

Born to a musical family in New Orleans, Nicholas Payton was encouraged by his mother, a pianist and vocalist, and his father, the legendary bassist, composer, and educator Walter Payton. Hailed as a virtuoso before he graduated high school, his early musical maturation and talent have earned him praise and accolades, as well as insured his place in musical history.

Payton has consistently committed himself to develop his distinct voice. As he explains, “As a musician, as an artist, you’re always trying to zero in on the bull’s eye as a means of becoming a better version of yourself. I’ve been able to find the kind of music that’s more inclusive of all of my life. The approach and the ideas of my music have become more singular, more cohesive. I have no agenda in terms of a specific genre or style, only to be true to who I am.”

Spanning a multitude of musical genres, Payton has composed, arranged, performed, and recorded with his own groups in many settings, including his 2012 full orchestral work, The Black American Symphony. Payton is credited on more than 120 recordings as a composer, arranger, special guest, or sideman, including work with Trey Anastasio, Ray Brown, Ray Charles, Daniel Lanois, and many others.