“What makes Nick Hempton’s music and persona so innately compelling that one can’t turn away? Perhaps it’s that he’s a character, in the sincerest of ways.”
“Nick Hempton is a postmodern ‘soul’ player... (his) meaty but sophisticated style, inspired not only by (Gene) Ammons but also by Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine and Sonny Stitt (switching equally fluently between tenor and alto sax) is an instantly recognizable delight. He’s smooth, he’s juicy and his tone wears a three-day stubble beard. Hempton, to paraphrase King Crimson, is a 21st century chitlin’ man.”
“The soul-sax sensation...”
“Hempton integrated a live-wire tone, an impressive command of the instrument, a penchant for blues references, and a keen sense of organization. Throughout “Don’t Blame Me” and “Persistence” he evinced an awareness of the songs’ contours, a lively relationship with the rhythm section, and managed to sound sportive even while consistently building momentum.”
“Gritty, entertaining and thoroughly modern. Night Owl keeps the flame of organ combo jazz burning brightly.”
“Hempton delivers a “no BS” form of music that speaks to earthy atmospheres, soulful suggestions and good-time grooves associated with let-it-all-hang-out, late-night sessions.”
“Hempton is heading up a combo specializing in that greasy, funky soul-jazz popularized by the likes of Lou Donaldson, Grant Green and Stanley Turrentine... complete with a Gene Ammons-grade soul tenor sax.
The deep soul of ’60s organ jazz is at the heart of Nick Hempton’s latest venture... I think they even managed to record the cigarette smoke.”
“Gutsy tenor, soaring alto... this is meaningful playing. Like Dexter Gordon, Hempton makes every note count... It Shouldn’t Happen to a Dream- one of the all-time classic ballad performances.”
“It’s hard to imagine a saxophonist with a better sound than Hempton... His measured and impeccably logical solos are a reminder of the virtue of understatement... In many places I hear the magisterial authority of Dexter Gordon.”
“Confidence and daring permeate this live date... engagingly bluesy originals with pretty takes on the classics... It features Hempton’s warmhearted style at its most curious...”
“(Trio Stonk: Live at Smalls) documents a band that sounds raw, unprocessed, unfiltered… The trio sounds like a group of wily veterans savoring every minute of a gabfest, playing exactly what they want without any regard for the consequences, and virtually flinging themselves into the embrace of an attentive audience.”
“Highly entertaining, hard-driving and solid swinging modern jazz… creative, intense and superb.”
“Big fat grooves, a real sense of swing, strong melodies and even stronger rhythms… this is a high quality collection of straight-ahead jazz.”
“Another polished gem of the jazz form… Hempton’s tenor has that sometimes salty yet inviting Paul Gonzalves vibe, the perfect tone and articulation for all the swinging going on here, and his alto is sweet and soulful…”
“Inventive. Edgy. Surprising. Nick Hempton is a lyrical assassin.”
“A bold voice… Hempton exhibits sterling technique… and a compositional acuity that few possess.”
“I f-n’ loved this record!”