Bozeman DAILY CHRONICAL
Jazz Festival is Saturday
The ninth annual event swings into Emerson with trumpeter Nicholas Payton and his quintet and local favorites including vocalist Jeni Fleming.

The Nicholas Payton Quintet headlines the ninth annual Jazz Montana Jazz Festival to be held Saturday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture. The event also features Bozeman-based vocalist Jeni Fleming and her quartet with saxophonist Jake Fleming, pianist Eric Funk, bassist Rob Kohler and drummer Michael Blessing….

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton has gained an international following over the last 10 years as a musician who combines the best of traditional and modern jazz styles. The son of distinguished New Orleans bassist Walter Payton, Nicholas was discovered while still in grade school by Wynton Marsalis and went on to study with Wynton's father, the pianist Ellis Marsalis. He played in the bands of pianist Marcus Roberts and John Coltrane's drummer Elvis Jones before recording his first album as a leader. Payton's latest CED "Dear Louis" (Verve) brings thoroughly modern treatments to some of Louis Armstrong's most treasured music……

Vocalist Jeni Fleming, who stole the show at last year's Jazz Montana Festival returns with her quartet. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Montana State University with an emphasis on classical piano. But she is best know for her expansive voice and emotion-laden delivery as a singer.