Oh geez, I love Mick Nock. Amazing to watch – and to listen to. I love seeing his eyes close and how his music not only transports you but, first, you can watch him taken away. I’ve seen him play loads of times, a variety of contexts, but one of the most memorable was when Michael Houstoun (another guy I’ll always turn up to watch if/when I can) was playing a series of short, surprising, lovely solo piano pieces composed by Mike Nock. And Nock sat next to him at the piano – just listening. He was the most active listener I’ve ever seen. It was extraordinary.

Anyway, this gig was another of my favourite times watching Mike Nock – the show was to celebrate his 50 years in music! And I had taken along a friend who didn’t know a whole heap at all about him so it was great watching her connect with the genius that is Mike Nock, his movements, his music. Also – it was a showcase of Nock, so featured different line-ups, from solo work to small combo to ensemble playing, hints of what he does in and around jazz as well as straight ahead playing.

I was DJing a rock gig across the road straight after – an odd thing to ditch the end of this gig for, as I recall.

Can’t write about Mike Nock and not add – once again – my wife’s great line. I asked Katy, one time, if she wanted to come and see the Mike Nock gig at the jazz festival and her reply: “I Mike. Or I Mike Nock…”

(It’s been a while Mike Nock. Please come home and play to us once again).
Stubs is an occasional feature here at Off The Tracks – looking back through the ticket-stub box and remembering how the show went down.