Nick Hempton is an alto and tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader producing new music in the modern/mainstream tradition. Calling New York home since 2004, he headlines clubs throughout the city, as well as concert halls and festivals around the world. Influenced by the greats of the instrument– Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, etc., and informed by a youth misspent playing Rhythm & Blues and Ska in his native Australia, Hempton's jazz is original, approachable, and always swinging.
In the past year, through its residency at Smalls Jazz Club, the Hempton Band has morphed into “Trio Stonk,” a streamlined three-piece outfit whose performances bring melody, swing, and blues to the fore. Trio Stonk is known for ditching complicated compositions and arrangements in favour of navigating freely around standard chord structures, incorporating elements of Free Jazz into its hard-wired hard bop. It is with this group that Nick has recorded his fifth album as leader, in performance at Smalls Jazz club, to be released in the fall of 2017 on the SmallsLive label. The album will be launched at Smalls Jazz Club, then taken on an intensive tour of Europe, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.
For the Wellington gig of the New Zealand Tour Nick will be joined by Mark Lockett (drums) and Michael Story (bass).
Please note the Pyramid Club is cash only.
