Double Bill: Mike Nock Sextet + HEKKA

SIMA presents the Jazz:NOW Summer Festival featuring;

Double Bill: Mike Nock Sextet + HEKKA

There is still no shortage of ideas from legendary jazz pianist Mike Nock

Mike Nock has endless creativity at his fingertips, and his unwillingness to stop producing phenomenal music is reflected in his new sextet.

Featuring 5 ex-students of Nock, Freedman Fellow Hilary Geddes, Label owner Jacques Emery, Sonic Futures Artist Tom Avgenicos, and frequent accompaniments James Wales and Karl Laskowski – once pupils, these musicians now share the stage as equals.
Mike has not only formed this ensemble with deep consideration, but also written a suite of new compositions with each musical personality in mind. His compositions are known to blossom with colour, from up-beat adventurous passages, to reflective and emotional narratives.

“Thrillingly distinctive. This trio's improvising language is all its own" - John Shand - Sydney Morning Herald)

HEKKA is an innovative trio, exploring song forms, loops, beats and improvisation. Novak Manojlovic was a finalist in the prestigious 2019 Freedman Jazz Fellowship awards, and his compositions of emotive acoustic and electronic landscapes, landed this trio the win.

HEKKA collectively navigates melody & structure with a unique empathetic approach. While curiosity and exploration inform their aesthetic, the song remains pre-eminent. Beauty is clarity and communication are always key.

Mike Nock Sextet
Mike Nock – Piano
Hilary Geddes – Guitar
Tom Avgenicos – Trumpet
Jacques Emery - Bass
James Waples – Drums
Karl Laskowski – Tenor

HEKKA
Novak Manojlovic – Piano and Electronics
Jacques Emery – Bass
Tully Ryan - Drums

SIMA would like to thank the City of Sydney, Create NSW, Live Music Australia and Australia Council for the arts for their generous funding towards the Jazz:NOW Summer Festival program.