Nick Hempton
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 like Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, etc, and informed by a youth misspent playing R&B and ska in his native Australia, Hempton's jazz is original, approachable, and always swinging.
In demand as a sideman as well as a leader, Hempton has performed with some of the top names in Jazz and popular music including Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Harry Whitaker, James Carter, Joe Magnarelli, Jeremy Pelt, The Temptations, and many more. He has been featured on dozens of albums encompassing the full range of popular music styles. Hempton has made numerous television and radio appearances, and has also developed an excellent reputation as a music educator, holding private lessons and masterclasses for school and mature-age students.
The release of his latest record, titled Odd Man Out (2013 Posi-Tone) finds Hempton locking in with his powerful working band of over seven years for their third record together and second for the Posi-Tone label. The album showcases nine brand-new Hempton originals, alongside a jazz classic and cowboy song.
Following the release of the new album, Hempton will kick off a series of performances along the east coast with a CD launch at the band's New York City home, Smalls Jazz Club, then continuing through the fall with a west coast tour.
A truly international outfit, the Nick Hempton Band was formed in 2005. As a group, they have played most of the major New York venues, and toured both regionally and internationally. The personnel remains unchanged, and the years of collaboration have made the group a sharp, cohesive unit. Israeli drummer Dan Aran brings a killer swing feel and wide jazz vocabulary, combined with a thorough knowledge of middle-eastern music. Italian bassist Marco Panascia has one of the deepest grooves in jazz today, honed through his time playing with Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dado Moroni among many others. Pianist Art Hirahara's lush voicings and forward-looking approach act as a foil to the others' fervor, but his innate swing, and past experience with the likes of Rufus Reid, Vincent Herring, and Akira Tana among others, allow him to cook whenever called upon. Adding to the spice of the newest record is trombone virtuoso Michael Dease, giving the frontline another powerful element.
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 like Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, etc, and informed by a youth misspent playing R&B and ska in his native Australia, Hempton's jazz is original, approachable, and always swinging.
In demand as a sideman as well as a leader, Hempton has performed with some of the top names in Jazz and popular music including Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Harry Whitaker, James Carter, Joe Magnarelli, Jeremy Pelt, The Temptations, and many more. He has been featured on dozens of albums encompassing the full range of popular music styles. Hempton has made numerous television and radio appearances, and has also developed an excellent reputation as a music educator, holding private lessons and masterclasses for school and mature-age students.
The release of his latest record, titled Odd Man Out (2013 Posi-Tone) finds Hempton locking in with his powerful working band of over seven years for their third record together and second for the Posi-Tone label. The album showcases nine brand-new Hempton originals, alongside a jazz classic and cowboy song.
Following the release of the new album, Hempton will kick off a series of performances along the east coast with a CD launch at the band's New York City home, Smalls Jazz Club, then continuing through the fall with a west coast tour.
A truly international outfit, the Nick Hempton Band was formed in 2005. As a group, they have played most of the major New York venues, and toured both regionally and internationally. The personnel remains unchanged, and the years of collaboration have made the group a sharp, cohesive unit. Israeli drummer Dan Aran brings a killer swing feel and wide jazz vocabulary, combined with a thorough knowledge of middle-eastern music. Italian bassist Marco Panascia has one of the deepest grooves in jazz today, honed through his time playing with Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dado Moroni among many others. Pianist Art Hirahara's lush voicings and forward-looking approach act as a foil to the others' fervor, but his innate swing, and past experience with the likes of Rufus Reid, Vincent Herring, and Akira Tana among others, allow him to cook whenever called upon. Adding to the spice of the newest record is trombone virtuoso Michael Dease, giving the frontline another powerful element.