Nick Sorensen

                       alto and soprano saxophones

Initially inspired by long-time hero Lol Coxhill, Nick Sorensen began playing soprano saxophone at Exeter University with other members of the Jazz and Blues Society. Early gigs included sitting-in with legendary blues guitarist Jo Ann Kelly.

Essentially a self-taught player, in 1984 he studied with tenor saxophonist Bobby Wellins. Subsequently he joined Cornucopia, led by jazz french horn player Rod Paton. This band generated a repertoire of original compositions and arrangements; trumpeter Harry Beckett guesting with them in 1987. The culmination of the bands work was the premiere of Rod Paton’s epic Ascension Mass in 1990.

Following a move to Bradford on Avon in 1997 Nick inaugurated the “January Jazz Concerts” at the newly opened Wiltshire Music Centre; now an annual event characterised by local musicians playing alongside world class professionals. The first of these concerts led to the formation of Witchi-Tai-To, a partnership with pianist Keith Harrison-Broninski documented on the CD “Alive” (2001). At this time he met Jason Rebello who has since then encouraged and mentored Nick’s development as a musician.

In 2000 Nick made a guest appearance with the GBH Big Band soloing on Matt Finch’s special arrangement of “Abide With Me”. He also contributes to singer  Emma Harris’s “Love Life” CD.

Nick is an experienced educator, his improvising school workshops have proved popular with inexperienced and experienced musicians alike. In 2004 a collaboration with ex-James Brown saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis resulted in a jazz and funk workshops project for which Nick has written a workbook; “Passing It On”.

Nick has created original pieces for Orchestra Cube in Bristol, Oxford Improvisers and riverglow for the Bradford on Avon Arts Festivals in 2006 and 2007. Current projects include his quartet, a duo with contemporary jazz pianist John Law and Nonet (based on the classic “Birth of the Cool” line up). Most recently he has begun performing the compositions of Steve Lacy.

Nick is an expressive and lyrical player. His unique sound is characterised by long fluid lines that on some occasions display a meditative quality and at others the raw earthiness of the blues. He is equally at home playing standards, free jazz or contemporary music. On alto his obvious influences are Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Art Pepper, Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond. On soprano his favourites include Lol Coxhill, Wayne Shorter and Steve Lacy.

Many other musicians have inspired him. These include Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Charlie Mingus, Chick Corea, Carla Bley, Stan Tracey, the Beatles, Pentangle and Robert Wyatt. Classical influences include Bach, Stravinsky, Bartok and Steve Reich.

Since 2006 Nick has emerged as a powerful and inventive saxophonist who has performed with John Law, Pee Wee Ellis,Tony Roberts, Ray Russell, Jim Dvorak, Frank Griffiths, Tony Woods, Ray d’Inverno, Alexander Hawkins, Dominic Lash, Mary Flower and the Tolga Quartet.

Nick Sorensen plays a Borgani alto saxophone and a Yanigasawa soprano saxophone.

Onstage (from R to L) with Ray Russell, Tony Roberts, Jim Dvorak, and Tony Woods.

Tony Roberts 70th Birthday Party Sunday 27th May 2007

Current projects include:

• The Nick Sorensen Quartet
• Duo with John Law
• Finding Steve Lacy: solo and small group performances
• Quintet with Ray d’Inverno and Tony Roberts
• The Nonet
• Workshops with Pee Wee Ellis

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