Trumpeter Nicholas Payton emerged in the early 1990s as part of a new wave of young lions who picked up the trail left by the likes of Wynton Marsalis in the 1980s. The Crescent City native, who will be performing tonight and tomorrow at Blues Alley, is the son of respected bassist Walter Payton. Growing up, he studied and performed with some of the finest jazzers New Orleans had to offer. This upbringing has had a lasting effect on his music, leading him on a crusade against the notion that jazz is elitist or an acquired taste.

"I’m from New Orleans, and we have much more of a social aspect to the music and in particular, the dance aspect," he told DCist.

This approach to music is readily apparent on Payton's latest release, Into the Blue, whose material will be featured prominently at Blues Alley.

"The central thing about the record and live is that I want to create music that’s enjoyable to listen to and inviting," Payton said, describing his approach. "I wanted to create music of simplicity, elegance, and grace."

With that accessibility in mind, Payton centered his compositions around the rhythm section, wherein he would compose a groove for the bass, drums, and congas before adding any melody and harmony. Even in those aspects of the music, his goal was to eliminate pretension and create singable melodies built around a narrower range of notes.

There are listeners who might object to this approach, as the music does not create the harmonic and rhythmic labyrinth that is the typical contemporary post-bop recording. Payton's music retains its sophistication and delivers strong musicianship, but also has a musicality reminiscent of Miles Davis. Of particular note is the keyboard work of Kevin Hays, which creates a lush cushion for the music. The soloing on the album also maintains this ethos, as the instrumentalists take a more textural approach instead of falling into the trap of never ending scales that were memorized during their university studies.

Most of the ensemble that made the recording will also be on stage at Blues Alley. Keyboardist Kevin Hays left the group to pursue his own gigs as a leader and Robert Glasper has taken his place. The rest of the group remains intact and features drumming phenom Marcus Gilmore, the 22-year old grandson of legendary drummer, Roy Haynes, along with bassist Vicente Archer and percussionist Daniel Sadownick. D.C. fans get a special treat, as the sets will also feature the vocal talents of Heidi Martin, who performs regularly at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge and Bohemian Caverns.

Payton's decision to have a local guest musician is no surprise given his respect for the District's jazz community.

"D.C. is a very soulful city with a lot of great musicians," he said. "Blues Alley is one of my favorite clubs. It always has a warm energy but brings out hardcore jazz fans."

Nicholas Payton will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight and tomorrow at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.