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Nicki Adams

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.

Awards

Finalist, Bob Ravenscroft International Piano Competition (2022)

Third prize, Jazz Wahi Compostion Competition (2026)

Dean's award, Oberlin Conservatory (full ride)

Gear

Steinway O

Nord Keyboards

Nicki & Patrick Adams: Lynx

by Dan Bilawsky
February 22, 2021

The bonds of brotherhood--literal and figurative--are strong in the music of pianist Nicki Adams and trumpeter Patrick Adams. Using their duo debut as an opportunity to cross-pollinate jazz and classical ideals and language, they revel in connectivity on multiple planes. Each of the Adams brothers selected four pieces for Lynx. All are familiar, yet none are formulaic in fashion. The wreathed nature of this style-twining project and the creative thrust powering this pair see to it that ...

Album Review

Nicki & Patrick Adams: Lynx

by Maurizio Zerbo
February 2, 2021

L'ascolto di questo CD desterà sicuramente l'interesse del pubblico italiano nei confronti dei fratelli Nicki e Patrick Adams, giovani promesse del jazz statunitense. La loro tecnica sopraffina, rispettivamente al pianoforte e alla tromba, si abbina a una fervida inventiva che vola in alto verso territori raramente esplorati nell'improvvisazione jazzistica. Il loro retroterra eurocolto riaffiora qui come sostrato armonico che va a integrarsi felicemente con il jazz, per dar luogo ad un progetto variopinto e ricco di contrasti. Troviamo ...

“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.” - Maurizio Zerbo, All About Jazz

“clearly has this music in his fingertips and it flows from them with brilliant virtuosity.” - Euan Dixon, Jazz Views

"his left hand frequently conjuring bass lines that make the absence of a bassist feel not like a limitation but a deliberate aesthetic choice, recalling the self-sufficient pianistic approach of Lennie Tristano" - Frankie Pfeiffer, Paris-move