NP.mp4

Paynic's Musical Journey and Approach

Nick Payton has been instrumental and helpful in effectively communicating his ideas on music's most complex topics in a truly insightful manner to us at #InTheShed.Live.

The lessons learned from Nicholas Payton have led me to develop a stronger understanding of the historic significance of our music and how to internalize it at the highest level.

Be sure to read #InTheShed.101 to learn more about our performance optimization world.

Nick Payton serves as a beacon for the music world, and I express my deep gratitude to him for consistently re-educating us on the complexities of this black art form, which is often misrepresented, and for highlighting the genius contributions of our community that are often undervalued.

• Beginnings:
  • His interest in music was initially peripherally influenced by his parents' music collection.
  • The first song he deeply connected with was "Mr. Magic" by Grover Washington.
  • His love for music led him to start seriously exploring his father's album collection.
• Defining Moment:
  • A significant point in Paynic's early musical life was when he listened to the album "Four and More" by Miles Davis.
  • The drumming of Tony Williams on this album particularly struck him, inspiring him to dedicate his life to music.
• Practice Methods:
  • Paynic practiced in an imaginative way, pretending to be part of the band while listening to an album.
  • He would sometimes play all the solos or mimic a specific musician, an approach he later identified as a form of visualization.
• Transition to a Serious Music Student:
  • Despite his early love for music, Paynic didn't become a serious student of the trumpet until around the age of 30.
  • This delay was caused by bad habits he developed from playing by ear and participating in loud brass bands.
• Corrective Lessons and Guidance:
  • At 30, Paynic decided to rectify these habits and improve his technique.
  • He sought lessons from different teachers, including a significant session with Vince Penzarella that provided him with a wealth of new information.
  • Terrell Stafford also provided guidance, giving Paynic specific exercises and a practice routine that greatly helped his progression.
• Daily Routine and Philosophy:
  • In response to questions about his daily routine, Paynic noted that he tells his students everything they do should be in preparation for performance.
  • He does not view the bandstand as a separate or sacred space; instead, he lives in that performance space at all times.

Guide to Paynic's Perspective and Inspirations

• Personal Philosophy:
  • Paynic believes in the transformative power of every interaction, regardless of the other person's societal status. He views every encounter as an opportunity for growth and wisdom exchange.
• The Power of Dreams:
  • Paynic's philosophy extends even to the dream state, where he believes potential learning and insight can be found.
• Influences and Respect:
  • Paynic attributes Louis Armstrong as a major influence who fundamentally altered the sound of the trumpet.
  • As a trumpet player, Paynic believes in the importance of breathing, viewing it as the fuel for playing and as a connection between body, mind, and spirit.
• Recommended Reading:
  • Paynic recommends various influential books, including:
    • "Art of War"
    • "The Book of Five Rings"
    • "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"
    • "The Inner Game of Tennis"
    • "Zen and the Art of Archery"
    • Writings of Bruce Lee
• Martial Arts Influence:
  • Paynic also has a background in karate and has found that it influenced his perspective on music.

Guide to Paynic's Process and Experiences in Mastering the Trumpet

• Sound Conceptualization:

  • Paynic emphasizes the importance of visualizing the sound in one's mind before creating it with the trumpet.
  • He views the trumpet essentially as a microphone, with the player's conceptualization and creative energy shaping the sound that comes from the instrument.

• Physical Demands:

  • Paynic acknowledges that playing the trumpet is physically demanding as it involves blowing compressed air through a small metal tube against one's lips.
  • He stresses the importance of maintaining proper form and efficient practice routines to meet these demands.
  • The goal is to learn how to stay relaxed while still sounding forceful and strong, a technique he likens to the practice of martial arts.

• The Importance of Transcription:

  • Paynic highlights transcription as a key component of his learning journey, which improved his ability to understand and replicate complex pieces of music, particularly in the Bebop genre.
  • His advice for other musicians is to learn solos directly from recordings, paying close attention to details like articulation and tone.
  • He recommends writing down the transcription only after it has been learned, if desired, emphasizing that the value lies in deciphering the information directly from the recording to the chosen instrument.

  1. Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Paynic's learning experiences extend beyond formal education, highlighting the importance of learning from life experiences. Learning can come from different facets of life, not just in a conventional classroom setting.

  2. Experimentation and Openness: The story of Paynic's sushi experience serves as a metaphor for his approach to music, demonstrating the importance of trying new things, being open-minded, and not being afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

  3. Understand the 'Why': Understanding why you are playing the music and why those before you played it is a crucial aspect of musicianship. Seek to understand the motivations and cultural significances behind the music you're playing.

  4. The Cultural Significance of Music: Music, especially Black American music, is deeply rooted in cultural expression and the life experiences of its creators. Remember to acknowledge and respect these roots when studying or playing this music.

  5. Awareness of Commercialization: Be mindful of the ways in which jazz and other forms of music have been commercialized or distorted, moving away from their cultural vibrancy and original significance.

  6. Holistic Connection with Music: Try to connect with music on a holistic level - not just sonically but also understanding the culture, history, and lived experiences behind it.

  • Significance of black American music, particularly jazz:

    • Born out of the experience of enslaved peoples.
    • Served as a means of reconnecting with identity and heritage.
    • Carries a functional purpose beyond entertainment.

  • Black American music is for everyone:

    • Not exclusive to black individuals.
    • Can be a liberating force for all.
    • Acknowledging origins and stories behind the music is essential.

  • Remembering the struggles and contributions of black musicians:

    • Understanding the experiences of artists like Charlie Parker.
    • Not losing sight of their significance and the purpose behind the music.

  • The power of music, particularly jazz:

    • Uniting people and acting as a healing force.
    • Music's ability to bring about positive change.

  • The choice to connect with the core of the music:

    • Individuals have the choice to engage with the music's essence.
    • Striving for a better world through discipline and personal growth.

    Tips for Effective Music Practice and Jazz Appreciation

    • Develop good fundamental technique through consistent practice and playing with records.
    • Take the time to play accurately rather than rushing through exercises. Slow, precise practice helps build skills for ease and speed.
    • Avoid cramming practice sessions and instead establish a daily practice routine. Even shorter sessions are beneficial as long as they are consistent.
    • Incorporate rest into your practice routine, both within practice sessions and by taking one day off per week. Rest is essential for physical and mental rejuvenation.
    • Recognize the value of practicing the "boring stuff" that lays the foundation for improvement. Don't solely focus on what you find fun.
    • Explore playing with live musicians and attending live music performances to enhance your understanding and appreciation of jazz.
    • Be mindful of the cultural roots of jazz, acknowledging its origins in black culture.
    • If interested in programs like the Herbie Institute, research and stay updated on their specific requirements and expectations for applicants.
    • When working on connecting the lower and higher registers in playing, consider exploring flow studies or seek guidance from experienced musicians.

    Remember that effective practice, a deep appreciation of jazz's origins, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth are key elements in developing as a musician.

    • Paynic emphasizes the importance of flow studies and practicing in a specific order to develop musical skills.
    • Mansa expresses an endurance issue while playing, and Paynic suggests it may be due to incorrect breathing or playing too loudly.
    • Paynic advises Goni Kassif to explore solos from renowned musicians like Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Miles Davis, and Christian McBride when transcribing, as they are part of the jazz lineage and offer valuable learning opportunities.
    • Paynic mentions his upcoming performances at Smoke and The Blue Note in New York City, as well as the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival.
    • He discusses ongoing album projects, including a collaboration with Marcus Gilmore, an album with producer Joe Bao (Otis Macdonald), and a trio album with MonoNeon and Corey Fonville.
    • Paynic commends the Intheshed.live series for creating a platform to connect with living day masters and foster a sense of community.

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