“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 appeared on NPR's Soundcheck and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre. A Steeplechase recording artist, he has released six albums as a leader, three with his own band GADADU, and three in the duo context with Michael Eaton and his brother Patrick. He was a finalist in the inaugural Bob Ravenscroft international jazz piano competition (2022) and his works have appeared in film and radio throughout the world, receiving nominations for international awards. Nicki has scored several feature films, documentaries and shorts, most recently A Wonderful Way With Dragons, starring Violet McGraw. His first jazz album with Patrick Adams was released on Sunnyside Records January 2021 to critical acclaim, and ensembles, the Prism Trio and the Adams quartet have embarked on national tours in 2024.
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)
