Mike Nock


Michael Anthony Nock is a New Zealand jazz pianist, who lives and works in Australia.

Biography

Nock was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, but spent his childhood in Ngāruawāhia. Nock began studying piano at 11. He attended Nelson College for one term in 1955. By the age of 18, he was performing in Australia. In Sydney he played in The Three Out trio with Freddy Logan and Chris Karan who toured England in 1961 before Nock left to attend Berklee College of Music. He was a member of Yusef Lateef's group from 1963 to 1965.
In 1965-1966 Nock joined Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, replacing Keith Jarrett.
During 1968–1970, Nock was involved with fusion, leading the Fourth Way band. From 1975 to 1985 he was a studio musician in New York after which he returned to Australia.
In 1987 the Best Jazz Album in the New Zealand Music Awards was Nock's Open Door with drummer Frank Gibson, Jr.
In the 2003 New Year Honours, Nock was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to jazz. In 2024, he was entered into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
He lives in New South Wales where he taught at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music until 2018 and performs with his trio, big band, and various one-off ensembles.

Discography

Albums

Awards

New Zealand Music Hall of Fame

Noteworthy New Zealand musicians are inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
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AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are annual awards, which recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.
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Australian Jazz Bell Awards

The Australian Jazz Bell Awards,, are annual music awards for the jazz music genre in Australia. They commenced in 2003.

Don Banks Music Award

The Don Banks Music Award was established in 1984 to publicly honour a senior artist of high distinction who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. It was founded by the Australia Council in honour of Don Banks, Australian composer, performer and the first chair of its music board.

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016.

Music Victoria Awards

The Music Victoria Awards are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.
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