22/03/2012 Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann 4 stars**** |
A lovely album that embraces both the mainstream and the contemporary and which captures Nikki Iles' delicate strengths superbly.
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28/02/0112 Dave Gelly, The Observer |
Nikki Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination who thrives on fugitive melodies. In this set she takes pieces such as Kenny Wheeler's "Everybody's Song But My Own" and Miles Davis's "Nardis", which constantly slide away from the obvious, and gently teases them into sparkling new shapes. When she plays her own compositions it's as though she is still discovering them. With her are bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jeff Williams, two American masters who fall instinctively into her way of thinking. The art of the jazz piano trio takes many forms nowadays, but for sheer enjoyment this calm, lucid teamwork is unsurpassed.
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24/02/0112 The Financial Times 4 stars**** |
Nikki Iles captures the light touch, ironic logic and irresistible pulse of an in-his- prime Bill Evans.The late pianists impressionism has been much imitated but it has rarely been mastered with the freshness and composure that Iles and her close-knit piano trio deliver. Bassist Rufus Reid is a punchy but not overpowering second lead and Jeff Williams is the understated drummer. Highlights include Kenny Wheeler’s rarely covered “Everybody’s Song But My Own”the in- style classic “Nardis” and the Iles/composed title track.
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22/02/0112 The Jazz Breakfast |
In September 2010 British pianist Nikki Iles went into the recording studio of Tony Bennett’s son, Dae, in New Jersey, accompanied by two New York musicians she had come to know but who had never played together before: double bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jeff Williams. This album is the glorious result. A fine Basho Records release which should bring Nikki Iles the far wider recognition she so richly deserves.
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01/02/0112 Jazzwise 4 stars**** |
a lovely disc |
