Mike Nock honoured by Australia Council

Mike Nock

The Australia Council for the Arts has recognised the outstanding contribution of jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Mike Nock by awarding him the 2014 Don Banks Music Award.

The Australia Council and members of the jazz and wider music community will pay tribute to Mr Nock at a ceremony prior to his gig at the Seymour Centre’s Sound Lounge on Saturday, 1 February.

Australia Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said Mr Nock’s work as a musician, composer and mentor has had a huge impact on many musicians, both in Australia and internationally.

“Mike Nock has had an enviable career and produced a remarkable body of work, which spans performing, recording and composing,” Mr Grybowski said.

“As a respected and influential artistic leader, it is fitting that the Council recognises his significant contribution to Australian music with this award.”

Council Director Music Paul Mason said during his long career Mr Nock had earned the respect and admiration of many of his peers, both here and overseas.

“Mike has worked with some of the legends of the jazz world, most notably during his 25 years in the United States, including Coleman Hawkins, Yusef Lateef, Dionne Warwick and Sam Rivers,” Mr Mason said.

“He has also produced an extensive catalogue of critically acclaimed, internationally released recordings.

“His work in the 1970s with The Fourth Way established his international career and he has continued to tour extensively in Europe, Asia, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

“As an orchestral composer he has been commissioned by groups such as the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, the Dundedin Civic Orchestra, the UMO Jazz Orchestra in Finland and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

“He has been a dedicated mentor to young and emerging musicians through his teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and by providing opportunities for them to play in his bands, including his current group the Mike Nock Project.

“It is clear from the words of his peers that Mike has inspired a generation of musicians through his commitment to the artform and his great musical integrity.”

After the ceremony Mike and his band will perform a 60-minute suite, which he composed through a commission from the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), with support from the Australia Council.

The gig is part of SIMA’s weekly jazz performance program at the Seymour Centre, which is being held to mark the organisations’ 30th year.

Matthew Hindson, Mike Nock, Paul Mason, Tony Grybowski