New Zealander Mike Nock hit Australian shores when he was 18 and began a stylistic journey through modern strands of jazz, starting with the album Move by The Three Out in 1960. On Touch the pianist gets back to brilliant basics with a set of stunningly sublime solo pieces, in the process topping the Australian Jazz charts on release.
Sundial Judy Bailey and Friends 1994 [ABC]
Kiwi ex-pat Judy Bailey (OAM) has been active in the OzJazz scene since the 1960s when she featured at Sydney's legendary El Rocco Jazz Cellar. A pianist and composer of some note, she also lectures at the University of Sydney on a part-time basis. The 'friends' on Sundial include drummer Simon Barker and saxophonist Sandy Evans.
One of two fine trio collaborations featuring veteran OzJazz drummer Allan Browne, young pianist Tim Stevens and bassist Nick Haywood. The group refined their craft playing regular gigs at Melbourne's Bennetts Lane jazz club up until early 2000 when Stevens, who was BHS's main composer, left for Sydney. Highly listenable.
Exit Barney McAll 1996 [ABC/BME]
Originally from Melbourne, pianist Barney McAll plays beautifully melodic jazz with an edge, while occasionally straying into ambient territory. Exit was one of his last recordings before moving to NYC permanently in 1997. Also featured are saxophonist Vincent Herring and legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb.
Nolan's Groove Col Nolan 1997 [La Brava]
Straightahead veteran OzJazz pianist, joined here by the David Seidel/Laurie Bennett rhythm section. Other La Brava stable mates featured include tenor Ben Jones and the cool tones of trumpeter Bob Henderson. As the title suggests, Nolan really hits the groove as he bops and swings his way through this thoroughly pleasing set.
Anyone Who Had a Heart Joe Chindamo 1997 [Larrikin]
Mainstream Melbourne pianist and composer best known for his work on film scores. Heart is a straightahead collection of eight Burt Bacharach songs arranged with loving care by Chindamo, although those wanting to hear the pianist may have to settle for his The Joy of Standards (2001) thanks to some record company shenanigans.
Sudden in a Shaft of Sunlight Browne/Haywood/Stevens 1998 [ABC Jazz]
Pianist Tim Stevens only made two records with the Allan Browne/Nick Haywood rhythm section, but they are both certifiable OzJazz classics. Shaft is the second album from the trio which had been playing together since 1994. Browne is rightfully revered as one of the greatest and stylistically diverse drummers of Australian jazz.
Band of Five Names Band of Five Names 1999 [5Names]
Featuring pianist Matt McMahon, trumpeter Phillip Slater and the Adam Armstrong/Simon Barker rhythm section, BO5N plays a kind of spaced-out ambient electronica that probably wouldn't sound out of place on the ECM label. Armstrong had departed by the time the second album, Severance, was recorded in 2002.
