Bags’ Groove – 2001

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton has gone through several different phases during the past quarter century while displaying a fat and attractive tone.

On this fairly early clip from the 2001 Bern Jazz Fest, Payton is featured as a guest with the Ray Brown Trio, helping to celebrate Brown’s legacy during his 75th birthday tour.

The song starts with a soul jazz groove that is reminiscent of Nat Adderley playing with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, and then it gets cooking.

Pianist Larry Fuller also gets a spot, with strong support from bassist Brown and drummer George Fludas before the trumpeter ends the happy performance.

-Scott Yanow