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Nicki Adams
Member Since: 2015 | Location: New York City | Page Views: 466 
About Me
Adams has been praised for his musical depth, individuality, and virtuosic command of the piano.
Nicki Adams is a New York–based composer and pianist. He has worked with renowned artists including Francisco Mela, Jonathon Pinson, Victor Jones 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 GADADU, the Prism Trio and the Adams Quartet, have toured internationally. 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. First, Arrival with Michael Eaton and Francisco Melo on September 10th, later, Nocturnes, by the Prism Trio. 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.
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This page was last updated on 2026-08-10.
