Ben Wilcock

Ben Wilcock is a New Zealand jazz pianist and composer known for his eclectic style that blends bold improvisation with sci-fi-inspired storytelling. Born in Hamilton and raised in a musical family, he cut his teeth as a session player before diving into jazz, drawing inspiration from Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans. His 2021 album *The River Tethys* reimagines worlds from Dan Simmons’ *Hyperion Cantos* novels, while recent releases like *Splendid Isolation* showcase collaborative originality. Wilcock has toured internationally, from Edinburgh Jazz Festival to Glastonbury, and leads projects that balance playful energy with genre-defying experimentation—think stride piano colliding with free jazz. Current recordings, including *Goodnight T.V.* and *The Butterfly*, highlight his knack for merging accessibility with avant-garde curiosity.

A seasoned live performer, Wilcock’s quartets and trios (like The Jelly Rolls) mix standards with originals, often featuring collaborators like violinist Tristan Carter or drummer John Rae. His work spans bluesy introspection ("Sol Draconi Septum"), Monk-ish angularity, and cinematic narratives, cementing him as a standout in Aotearoa’s jazz scene.