“With this record [Lynx, sunnyside 2021], the two New York musicians demonstrate that they are getting out of the cage (now in fashion) of the canonical jazz reinterpretation, going beyond the limits of diligent work and respect for tradition. They are undoubtedly personalities of great musical depth, destined to keep themselves out of the conventions in force.”
Nicki Adams is a New York–based composer and pianist. He has worked with renowned artists including Francisco Mela, Jonathon Pinson, Stacey Dillard, and Francois Moutin, and has appeared on NPR’s Soundcheck and at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theatre. A Steeplechase recording artist, he has released six albums as a leader—three with his band GADADU and three in duo settings with Michael Eaton and his brother, Patrick Adams. His first jazz album with Patrick Adams, Lynx (Sunnyside Records, 2021), was released to critical acclaim.
Nicki was a finalist in the inaugural Bob Ravenscroft International Jazz Piano Competition (2022), and his works have appeared in film and radio worldwide, earning nominations for international awards. He has scored several feature films, documentaries, and short films, most recently A Wonderful Way With Dragons, starring Violet McGraw. His ensembles, including the Prism Trio and the Adams Quartet, have toured nationally.
In addition to his work as a bandleader and composer, Nicki has collaborated with dozens of vocalists throughout New York City as a producer, arranger, and accompanist. Two new albums of his own are set for release in 2026, alongside several projects he has produced for other artists.
Critical reception highlights both his individuality and command at the instrument. Writing in All About Jazz, Maurizio Zerbo noted that with Lynx, “the two New York musicians demonstrate that they are getting out of the cage (now in fashion) of the canonical jazz reinterpretation… destined to keep themselves out of the conventions in force.” In Jazz Views, Euan Dixon wrote that Adams “clearly has this music in his fingertips and it flows from them with brilliant virtuosity.”
While playing for ballet classes by day and gigging by night Nicki absorbed the influences of classical, jazz and contemporary soul. His work reflects his passion for craft and innovation.
THE TRANSCENDENTAL (ALBUM, RELEASED ON STEEPLECHASE RECORDS APRIL 2022)
Liverpool Sound and Vision - Ian D. Hall
Jazz Weekly - George W. Harris
Occhi Magazine - Erica Hall
THE WEATHERMAN IS WRONG (ALBUM, RELEASED ON GOLD BOLUS AND AMP MUSIC RECORDS SEPT 2022)
Popmatters - Chris Ingalls
New York Music Daily - Delarue
Nettavisen - Tor Hammer
Ondarock - Gianfranco Marmaro
JazzMania - Claudy Jalet
Pitch Perfect - Michael E Vincent
PARAPHRASE (ALBUM, RELEASED ON STEEPLECHASE RECORDS APRIL 2022)
Jazz Views - Euan Dixon
The NYC Jazz Record - Dan Bilawsky
LYNX (ALBUM, RELEASED ON SUNNYSIDE RECORDS JANUARY 2021)
All About Jazz - Maurizio Zerbo
All About Jazz - Dan Bilawsky
PopMatters - Chris Ingalls
The Star Review - George Grella
Jazz Weekly - George W. Harris
New York Music Daily - Delarue
DOSAARDVARK (SINGLE, RELEASED AUGUST 2020)
PopMatters - Chris Ingalls
OUTER SONG (ALBUM, RELEASED ON BIRDWATCHER RECORDS OCTOBER 2018)
PopMatters - Chris Ingalls
Tiny Mix Tapes - Tristan Kneschke
PopMatters - Jordan Blum
Pitch Perfect - Matt Jensen
PopMatters - Chris Ingalls
Nextbop - Anthony Dean-Harris
AND I SEE NIGHT (ALBUM, SELF-RELEASED FEBRUARY 2015)
Pitch Perfect (Album of the Month Award, February 2015)
