Mike Nock – Mike Nock Trio | NZ Trio

Vicissitudes

Vicissitudes came about after Festival Director Philip Tremewan suggested I write a piece for the people of Christchurch after their devastating earthquake. The idea was to somehow combine the disparate worlds of jazz and classical music to show the resilience of the human spirit when faced with seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

I decided on a set of variations to explore the contrast between the classically honed sensibilities of NZTrio with the more unpredictable approach of my jazz trio, setting-up tensions throughout the piece that are finally (and exuberantly) resolved in the last variation.

This recording includes some group improvisations from the session, plus a solo piece (El Testamen De Amelia) recorded several years ago at the Sydney Opera House studio.

Read a review of Vicissitudes by Walkley Award winning writer John Shand

Buy Vicissitudes on the Rattle Records Bandcamp site. Available in CD, MP3, FLAC. PDF booklet download

Vicissitudes recorded live at Christchurch Arts Festival

Mike Nock: Vicissitudes from Chris Watson on Vimeo.

Mike Nock Trio

MIke Nock (piano)
Brett Hirst (bass)
James Waples (drums)

NZTrio

Justine Cormack (violin)
Ashley Brown (cello)
Sarah Watkins (piano)

This is now the most complete trio Nock has had since returning to Australia 32 years ago.
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald, 9 July 2017

In a 60-year career, he has done everything and triumphantly stayed at the vanguard of jazz's evolution.
Eric Myers, The Australian, 10 July 2017

Having heard Nock’s music for many years – and being aware of his genius as a composer, arranger and player – I found it amazing to see him perform live for the first time. He proved he could build from a platform, adding layers and textures – working with minimalism, classical, jazz and noiresque soundscapes to show that many colours can be conjured from the keys of a piano.
Simon Sweetman, The Dominion Post, Wellington NZ Nov 12, 2007

Piano maestro and winner of this year’s ARIA jazz award, Mike Nock led his trio in a dazzling performance at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz.
John McBeath, The Australian Nov 6, 2007

There's a glint to Nock's playing and a buoyancy in his leadership Downbeat Nov 2005
Downbeat, Nov 2005

... impressed me greatly. Mike Nock was creating very musical things. It won't be long before he'll make a mark.
Pianist Bill Evans, in Downbeat (US) 1970