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Nick Hempton Band

It was in the winter of 2004 that Australian saxophonist Nick Hempton stumbled off a plane at JFK airport in New York, and made his way back into that hotbed of modern jazz- Manhattan. He immediately embarked upon a game of musical "Cull-or-Keep", sizing up the many and abundantly talented rhythm-section players on offer. The goal: to assemble a group of musicians whose talent, experience, originality, and ability to communicate was unequalled, let alone surpassed. This is how it happened...

The first step was the rekindling of Nick's musical relationship with drummer Dan Aran. The two had performed regularly at informal sessions at Arturo's restaurant in Greenwich Village, and shared a similar musical philosophy. They engaged in a series of late night "band meetings" at a local bar and emerged, heroes of many a well-fought bottle, with a vision and a musical direction. The drive continued.

The next recruit was Italian-born Double Bassist Marco Panascia. Generously endowed, musically speaking, 'the stand-up cooker' is known for his great big sound, rock-solid time keeping, melodic soloing and innate sense of swing. He slotted into the group effortlessly, both musically and personally, and the driving groove he and Dan set up now form the foundation upon which the band's individual sound is built.

With a powerhouse engine-room now in place, the search began for the fourth and final piece of the puzzle. The guys agreed that what was needed was a pianist with sensitivity and maturity. A foil to their sometimes outlandish exuberance. Yet with the drive and swing to cook when called for. They needed a "Mad Dog". Art Hirahara was the immediate choice, and upon playing together once, all were in agreement. Art was soon onboard and the organisation was complete.

Throughout this time, Nick had been grabbing every spare minute to compose and arrange material specially for this line-up. By the time rehearsals rolled around, he'd amassed a collection of originals and classics tailor-made to the band's exacting requirements. Musicians, repertoire, rehearsals- all in order. Time to throw the doors open.

Since it's inception, the Nick Hempton Band has played to enthusiastic audiences at venues often filled to bursting-point. It's a point of pride that wherever they play, they're always asked back. Always a hit with audiences and musicians alike, the band has a constantly growing fan base, as well as an ever-increasing workload as their notoriety spreads. They'll be playing near you sometime soon.

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280
Album Review

Nick Hempton Band: Nick Hempton Band

Read "Nick Hempton Band" reviewed by David A. Orthmann


After a few years of knocking about in New York City's jazz underground, the Nick Hempton Band is getting a toehold in venues like Smalls, Zinc Bar, and Fat Cat. Hempton's satirical account of the rigors of a “combined eight hours of work in a single month" is posted on the band's website in an entry dated 6/9/09. Throughout a self-titled debut recording, they're an unusually sharp, cohesive unit. Stylistically speaking, Hempton and his cohorts operate in the bop-to-hard bop ...

180
Album Review

Nick Hempton Band: Nick Hempton Band

Read "Nick Hempton Band" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Alto saxophonist Nick Hempton is a funny man. Though not discernable from the picture on the cover of his debut, Nick Hempton Band, his liner notes tell all. Australia-born Hempton landed in New York in the winter of 2004, with the aim of putting a band together. The first pick was easy; he already knew drummer Dan Aran. But Hempton needed to do more than march to the beat of his own drummer. His search continued and ...

197
Album Review

Nick Hempton Band: Nick Hempton Band

Read "Nick Hempton Band" reviewed by David Miller


Nick Hempton. The name even sounds old school, doesn't it? From the opening notes of the alto saxophonist's debut, Nick Hempton Band, it is clear that Hempton and his quartet are after that old Blue Note feel and sound. And, for the most part, they succeed. This is a turn-back-the-clock, no-holds-barred blowing session. And what's more, it's obvious that these cats can play.But the similarities to 1950s and '60s Blue Note end with the music. What make this ...

223
Album Review

Nick Hempton: Nick Hempton Band

Read "Nick Hempton Band" reviewed by Edward Blanco


In 2005, Australian-born alto saxophonist Nick Hempton assembled a group of players to launch an assault on the Big Apple's vibrant jazz scene. His quartet--with musicians from around the globe including Israeli drummer Dan Aran, Sicilian-born bassist Marco Panascia, and pianist Art Hirahara (the only naturally-born American in the group, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area)--has been performing at jazz venues in the New York area ever since. The quartet's self-titled debut contains intelligent renditions of three familiar standards ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

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Posi-Tone Records
2011

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Nick Hempton Band

Self Produced
2009

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