Nicholas Payton formed this band in June of 2000. They performed concerts throughout the United States and Europe from June of 2000 through September of 2002. Paul met Nicholas in February of 2000 while Paul was touring with the Hoagy Carmichael Orchestra. During this time Nicholas was touring with the Newport Jazz Festival which was an all-star jazz group produced by Concert Productions, the same production company that produced the Hoagy Carmichael tour. Anyway, the Carmichael Orchestra happened to have a night off in the same city where the Newport Jazz Festival was performing. So Paul, along with several other musicians, went to hear Nicholas perform with Lew Tabackin, Randy Brecker, Tim Warfield, and the Cedar Walton trio. After the concert, Paul and his fellow musicians went back stage to speak with Nicholas. Nicholas told Paul that he was putting together a new band and was looking for a lead trumpet player. He asked Paul to send a demo of his playing. So when Paul got home from the Hoagy tour he put together a resume/demo recording and mailed it to Nicholas. A couple of months later Paul got the call and joined band for their first rehearsal and concert as the Louis Armstrong Centennial Band.
In the spring of 1993 Paul was offered the wonderful opportunity to tour as the lead trumpet player for Maynard Ferguson. Maynard was the person that most inspired Paul to become a professional trumpet player. Paul first heard Maynard perform in 1981, and that one concert changed Paul’s life forever.  “Words cannot truly express my gratitude and appreciation for Maynard Ferguson. He was an incredibly inspiring person and I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him. His enthusiastic love of life and music was infectious to everyone around him. I miss him greatly”
Paul is currently touring as the lead trumpet player for the U.S. Army’s Jazz Ambassadors. Paul joined the Jazz Ambassadors in June of 2003. The Jazz Ambassadors is the U.S. Army’s premier touring jazz ensemble. They perform about a 120 concerts and clinics per year throughout the United States. Click here to see their current itinerary.  Rockin’ In Rhythm  Things To Come http://www.armyfieldband.com/pages/schedule/ja_sched.htmlshapeimage_7_link_0