Mike Nock – Downbeat review of the Melbourne / Umbria Jazz Festival

Downbeat review of the Melbourne / Umbria Jazz Festival

The Nov 2005 issue of Downbeat reviewing the Melbourne/Umbria Festival wrote:

But the revelations were the Australians – in particular Paul Grabowsky and Mike Nock – Pianist Nock, a Sydney-based maestro, delivered two appealing sets at the Forum Theatre: one with his eclectic Big Small Band (a Hal Russell meets Carla Bley nonet) and the other with his equally unpredictable trio. Both groups exhibited strong arrangements, a mix of groove/dissonance and lyricism/avant-out, and a fair amount of humor and surprise inherent in the twists and turns. There’s a glint to Nock’s playing and a buoyancy in his leadership, especially with the nonet, which featured a fine young cast of improvisers.

By Mike|December 1st, 2005|News|0 Comments

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