nick rixen
is a London-based pianist and composer. He studied classical music and jazz in Berlin and Amsterdam with Walter Norris and Rob Madna.
Nick has led various formations and worked as a sideman in Germany, Holland and Britain with, amongst others, Allan Preskin, Melvin Reeves, Alan Barnes, Matt Wates, Sheena Davis, Charlie Sayers, Ike Leo and Ellen O'Brien.
Nick's music is inspired by the timeless art of improvisation which, in his view, is the art of listening and reacting spontaneously to give room for something unique to happen in the present moment.
Nick is a prolific composer and in order to provide an outlet for his compositions, formed his own jazz trio in 2001 with Leslie Booth (electric bass) and Paul Canton (drums). The trio launched the CD "Blueprint" in 2002. In 2007 he added Colin Crawley (saxophone) and Neil Robinson (bass) along with Paul Canton (drums) to form the quartet. Following Neil's recent move abroad, the quartet was joined by Shura Greenberg. More recently, Phil Antonia has taken over bass duties with the band.
The first Nick Rixen quartet CD (available from Art of Life Records) was launched in 2008. The idea is to provide a platform for four equal musicians improvising from start to finish.
Nick has appeared at venues like the Bull's Head Barnes, the National Theatre, the National Portrait Gallery, Pizza on the Park and many others.