Track Listing

1. Potato Head Blues
2. Hello, Dolly!
3. You Rascal You
4. Tight Like This
5. Interlude (St. James Infirmary) - Nicholas Payton, Reuben Rogers
6. On the Sunny Side of the Street - Nicholas Payton, Dianne Reeves
7. Dear Louis - Louis Payton, Nicholas Payton
8. Blues in the Night - Dr. John, , Nicholas Payton, Dianne Reeves
9. Peanut Vendor
10. Mack the Knife - Dr. John, , Nicholas Payton
11. Tiger Rag
12. I'll Never Be the Same
13. West End Blues

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #161523 in Music
• Released on: 2001-04-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.com
Trumpeter Nicholas Payton's heartfelt tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, Dear Louis, might instead be better titled Dear New Orleans. That's because, despite the renditions of various Armstrong-related tunes that make up the disc's 13 tracks, this is more of an extended love letter to the cascade of musical styles that make up the city of Armstrong's (and Payton's) birth. Aside from swinging renditions of tunes such as Armstrong's "Potato Head Blues" and the bluesy "Tiger Rag" that one might expect from an Armstrong tribute, there's also a generous helping of rollicking Dr. John-style New Orleans shuffle, and Mac "Dr. John" Rebbenack himself makes that link plain by lending his signature vocal style to spirited versions of "Mack the Knife" and "Blues in the Night," where he's joined by Dianne Reeves. Any Louis Armstrong tribute, of course, has to feature some fireworks in the trumpet department, and Payton delivers some searing solos on "Tiger Rag," "Tight Like This," and elsewhere that do justice to King Louis while still charting their own path. For all the hoopla over Armstrong after Ken Burns's Jazz, Payton's Dear Louis is far from an attempt to cash in on rote renditions of Armstrong classics. It is instead an impressive outing that honors Satchmo's diversity and innovation by showcasing some of Payton's own. --Ezra Gale

Customer Reviews

Sympathy for Talent
Alright. A few people who have listened to this have hated it. I'm going to go in the opposite direction. As far as a tribute album, it's not. I really don't think there's an argument there...Unless the point is that Louis wrote timeless tunes that transcend all styles and periods. But we all know that. To me, this is just some good jazz music, heavy on the bop. But more Big Band Dizzy bop than intellectual Parker bop. But on top of everything else, the melody, and the arraingments, are fine work. Commendable for sure. True, Nick Payton probably shouldn't try the singing thing for a while, but it doesn't overshadow the artistry here. One thing that Payton really does do well is unforced cool. Important for good jazz. Read up on some Machiavelli to understand that. But it doesn't mean anything in the end. The music is there, and that's it. Don't hate the man for being musical.

I can see Louis Armstrong smiling!
Louis Armstrong is one of our greatest jazz Patriarchs whose impact has had such a tremendous effect on jazz music today. How do you pay just tribute to the king? Louis would be proud of Nicholas Payton's stellar effort. What makes this recording special is the fact that the essence of Armstrong is maintained but it is executed with Payton's unique vision. In this setting we find Payton in new territory to most listeners. We know that he's one of todays most accomplished trumpeters. His last few recordings with his working band have been fantastic. Now we get to hear Nick in the context of a big band. He also showcases his vocal skills on a few cuts. He can sing? Yes he can. He's no Satchmo, but he brings an authenticity to the cuts that he's chosen. The other vocalists Dr. John and Dianne Reeves are superb. Everything works together with Payton's arrangements. All the musicians are excellent. The big band setting is outstanding. Horn arrangements, percussion, come together to show the many sides of the great Armstrong. And it's all done in the fresh voice of Nicholas Payton; a modern jazz trumpeter. I didn't know Hello Dolly could be so smooth and funky.

Check it out for yourself.

markT.

Dear Louis - Nicholas Payton
This is one of the finest albums released yet by the incredible Nicholas Payton. Born and raised in New Orleans, this album features the infinitely talented trumpeter in his element, with a band full of tonal variety, dynamic quality, and a damn good lead trumpet player, playing re-interpretations of Louis Armstrong classics. If u like the trumpet, Louis Armstrong, or just the general concept of a swingin' Big Band, then this is for you. Nicholas Payton boasts a fine set of weapons: impressive range, a really fat sound, a solid concept of rhythm, and the flexibility to change his sound depending on the style of the music. Highly influenced by Clifford Brown and Louis Armstrong, Payton utilises everything he's got to really set the listeners ears on fire. Growl on!