New Zealand jazz pianist/ composer Ben Wilcock has released his astonishing sci-fi inspired album ‘The River Tethys’ on Thick Records NZ. Featuring lead single Aenea and latest single Groovin' High, the album is a great representation of a jazz artist realising the interstellar heights of his talent. Wilcock has performed for over twenty years with musicians including Bennie Maupin, Bob Moses, John Rae, Roger Manins, Rodger Fox, US Blues legend Chris Cain, RnB singers Aaradnha and Bella Kalolo, playing sets at Glastonbury, Java Jazz Festival, Sydney Arts Festival, and the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, but ‘The River Tethys’ stands to be his crowning achievement.

Wilcock breaks away from convention in his most contemporary project to date through an eclectic mix of harmonic centres and brave improvisation. The album features a selection of compositions by Wilcock, as well as jazz standards Star Eyes, Groovin’ High and traditional Irish jig The Butterfly. The accomplished pianist is joined on the recorded album by award-winning Scottish drummer John Rae, violinist Tristan Carter and Dan Yeabsley on double bass. Each track on ‘The River Tethys’ is based on different unique worlds explored by protagonists within the sci-fi novel saga Hyperion, which makes this unique and astounding jazz release all the more intriguing.

Wilcock recently debuted ‘The River Tethys’ during The 2021 Wellington Jazz Festival at iconic music venue Meow.