"This is
ensemble playing of real distinction ..."
Since returning to Australia in 1985, after 25 years in the
USA performing with many of the world's top musicians, Mike
Nock has been recognised as one of the greats of Australian
Jazz. His first recordings in 1960-61 were with the Three-Out
trio and he has returned to this format several times in his
lengthy career to record some outstanding examples of the
genre. (Ondas, Not We But One, Beautiful Friendship, Between
or Beyond)
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The Mike Nock Trio features
a broad repertoire, including a large selection of jazz and
popular standards along with their original material. Although
the trio as a unit dates back three years the members have
been playing together in different combinations for much longer
than this. Drummer Toby Hall first played with Mike's quartet
in 1990 (touring Canada with him in 1991) and bassist Brett
Hirst joined the quartet in 1999, for a New Zealand tour.
Their debut CD
Changing Seasons, on the prestigious
Japanese label DIW, has been garnering rave reviews worldwide
since its release in November 2002.
"There are some musicians that
one returns to repeatedly, as antidotes to the brutal gimmickiness
of so much of the aural environment. One such is Mike Nock,
who, whenever I listen to his work always and unexpectedly
surpasses the anticipation. There is no mystery why this is
so, Nock is the most musical pianist currently working in
the jazz field. This is ensemble playing of real distinction
... but ultimately it is Nock's superlative musicianship that
animates the material, and inspires his collaborators. I love
this album. You will too."
- Chris Dench, Music Forum, June 2003
"They play with an intensity which,
while compelling, does not distract from one's wonder at how
simple they make the complex seem. It is a session that after
hours of listening still offers previously missed revelations,
nuances and reflections."
- Michael Foster, Canberra Times, March 10, 2003
"Leading a strong, flexible trio,
with bassist Brett Hirst and drummer Toby Hall, he brings
the Nock intensity and invention to bear on surging, rustling,
hustling rhythms as well as some remarkable impressionistic
and meditative pieces."
- John Clare, Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 22, 2003
"Real Jazz with quality, that can
knock-out the rock generation. Four 1/2 Stars!"
- Swing Journal (Japan) Dec 2002 |
