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Nikki Iles
Word had been out in musicians circles about Nikki Iles since way
before she collected the John Dankworth Award for Outstanding
Individual at the 1996 British Jazz Awards. By then, as a member of the
Creative Jazz Orchestra, she had already shared stages with seasoned
veterans including Kenny Wheeler,
Mike Gibbs, Vince Mendoza and Anthony Braxton; as well as composing her
celebration 'Printmakers Suite' for an eight-piece version of the same band.
Her understated playing has sometimes submerged in the setting of a
large band, but since focusing on work with her own trio and a long
standing musical relationship with saxophonist Stan Sulzmann,
her solo voice has developed dramatically. Her sensitivity and musicality as a
pianist has already established her as a highly desirable member of
various rhythm sections and now her talent as a composer is gaining the
recognition it deserves. Nikki has been featured alongside Bobby
Wellins, Art Farmer, Don Weller and Gerad Presencer as well as sharing
the stage with young bloods Iain Ballamy, Mark Lockheart and the
Arguelles brothers.
To quote John Fordham from The Guardian, "Iles is one of the most
refreshing and promising figures to have emerged in the UK in recent
times, with a liquid sound and supple, obliquely-resolved phrasing as
an improviser".
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