Nikki Iles Sextet (International Jazz Day)
“Nikki Iles…a formidable UK jazz presence… intelligent, sharp and very musical”
Guardian
A performer, teacher and composer, multi award winning musician Nikki Iles is widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists in Europe. After establishing her credentials as both performer and educationalist in the North of England, Nikki moved to London in the late 90’s, since when her fluent and creative playing has been heard with some of the finest musicians around, including the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Stan Sulzmann, Rufus Reid, Claire Martin, Dave Holland and Tina May. As well as an accompanist Nikki is also a well established bandleader, performing in a variety of settings from her trio to the Award winning band "Printmakers" that she co-leads with vocalist Norma Winstone. As well as a sought after performer Nikki is also a highly regarded composer, including commissions from the likes of the Creative Jazz Orchestra, the New Perspectives, the London Sinfonietta, Tim Garland’s Northern Underground Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Nikki’s busy performance schedule has not prevented her from developing a parallel career as a widely respected teacher and she has acted as a tutor at numerous workshops and summer schools around the world whilst maintaining active links with The Royal Academy of Music and Middlesex University. This evening, to celebrate International Jazz Day, Nikki will be bringing her fantastic 6 piece band to the Club which, unsurprisingly, features some of the finest musicians on the UK jazz scene: Mark Lockheart-tenor sax, Steve Buckley-alto sax, Chris Batchelor-trumpet, Steve Watts-bass and James Maddren-drums. The music will be a mix of Nikki's wonderful originals combined with a selection of classic jazz standards performed by a World Class ensemble. “A formidable UK jazz presence… intelligent, sharp and very musical” Guardian; “an arranger of considerable talent and a gifted composer...” The Times; “compelling soloist” Jazz UK; "Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination” The Observer