DJC Pop-Up at the Dish: The Many Sides of Nick Cornish

DJC Pop-Up at the Dish: The Many Sides of Nick Cornish

Nick Cornish appears regularly as a “sideman” on the Dunedin jazz scene. Indeed, when he is not directing the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra, he appears in a multiplicity of ensembles from a variety of genres, whether it be playing the alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet or even the oboe with the local orchestra. It is rare, however, to see these many sides at once, and so it is a privilege to present the many sides of Nick Cornish as the leader of his own quartet at the Dunedin Jazz Club.

For this special, one-off gig at the Dish, Cornish teams up with regular collaborators Bill Martin (keyboard), Andy Lynch (bass) and Carl Woodward (drums) to present two sets of jazz that show off his many skills as a lead instrumentalist and improviser. Mining influences as diverse as Thelonious Monk, Jackie McLean, Charlie Parker, Steve Kuhn, Chick Corea and Sam Rivers, Cornish has curated two sets of contemporary jazz that feature interesting compositions and a variety of rhythmic approaches, including funk, swing, latin and bop.

Cornish’s main instrument is the alto saxophone, and he will show off his chops with Charlie Parker numbers such as “Blues for Alice” but he will also explore the sound of the soprano saxophone on John Coltrane’s “Central Park West”. As a regular performer in theatrical shows, Cornish can also play the flute in a bluesy, soulful manner, an instrument that will feature in an arrangement of Chick Corea’s “Windows”. Experimental jazz harmony will be explored with Sam River’s tune, “Cyclic Episode”, a tune that pairs nicely with Bill Martin’s original composition “Pedestrians”, with its own maddening chord changes. Look out for the driving vamp from Jackie McLean’s “Right Now”, as well as some traditional jazz standards to give the musicians some room for expression.

The “sidemen” of the Nick Cornish quartet have their own impressive backstory and will be keen to explore the creative possibilities of these compositions with such an experienced and talented band leader. Andy Lynch has shown his virtuosity on the electric bass time and time again at DJC events, showing the ability to swing hard at fast tempos and reel out bop solos in a manner uncannily like a horn. Carl Woodward is dependable as ever, showing his command of arrangements and versatility with a range of styles. Club director and pianist Bill Martin is back for this one too, returning the favour to Cornish who regularly appears as a “sideman” in his bands.

DJC Pop-Up at the Dish

Friday, 8 March, 7-9pm

Doors open, 6pm.

Personnel

Nick Cornish (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute)

Bill Martin (piano)

Andy Lynch (electric bass)

Carl Woodward (drums)

Tickets at dunedinjazz.club

Adult $23 ($25 on the door)

Uni Student / Unwaged $17.25 ($20 on the door)

Child $11.50 ($15 on the door)