Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

May 16, 1963 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England

 

Nikki Iles is a British jazz pianist, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 31, 1963, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, Iles grew up in a musical family. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Iles started playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Iles attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied classical piano and composition. During her time at the academy, she discovered her love for jazz and started playing in jazz clubs around London. She was influenced by jazz pianists such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock. After graduating from the academy, Iles started working as a freelance musician, playing in various jazz bands and ensembles. She also started composing her own music, which was heavily influenced by jazz but also incorporated elements of classical music. In 1990, Iles formed her own jazz trio, which consisted of herself on piano, Steve Watts on bass, and Mark Fletcher on drums. The trio released their debut album, "Hush," in 1992, which received critical acclaim and established Iles as a rising star in the jazz world. Over the years, Iles has collaborated with many renowned jazz musicians, including saxophonist Stan Sulzmann, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, and guitarist John Parricelli. She has also worked with classical musicians, such as the Brodsky Quartet and the London Sinfonietta. Iles has composed music for various ensembles, including jazz big bands, small jazz ensembles, and classical chamber groups. Her compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, melodic lines, and rhythmic complexity. She has also arranged music for various ensembles, including the BBC Big Band and the London Jazz Orchestra. One of Iles' most significant works is her jazz suite, "Hodie," which was commissioned by the BBC Concert Orchestra in 2009. The suite is based on the Christmas carol "Hodie Christus Natus Est" and features jazz improvisation alongside classical orchestration. The suite was premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in London and received critical acclaim. Iles has also composed music for film and television, including the BBC drama "The Cazalets" and the film "The Mother." Her music has been featured on various jazz albums, including "Everything I Love" and "Siren's Song." In addition to her work as a composer and performer, Iles is also an educator. She has taught at various music schools and universities, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. She has also led workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Iles has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of jazz and classical music. In 2007, she was awarded the British Jazz Award for Best Pianist. In 2019, she was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Jazz Composition for her work on the album "Piano Divas." In conclusion, Nikki Iles is a talented and versatile musician who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and classical music. Her compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, melodic lines, and rhythmic complexity, and her performances are always captivating. She has inspired countless musicians around the world and continues to be a leading figure in the world of jazz and classical music.

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