Over the last few years Bedfordshire born pianist NIKKI ILES has progressed into the front rank of British jazz musicians. In 1996, Nikki won the John Dankworth Special Award at the BT British Jazz Awards. Many nominations followed, four for the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Composition Award,  two nominations for the Best Ensemble (The Printmakers)  and most recently,The Jazz Piano category of the British Jazz Awards. (2012 and 2014). The breadth of Nikki’s artistic vision has led her to disregard the arbitrary boundaries of the jazz scene. Playing highlights in the last couple of years have included The Julian Arguelles Octet, The Kenny Wheeler Big Band, Tony Coe and Tina May, ‘Renga’ with Rufus Reid. The Anglo / Canadian Quartet with Martin Speake,  Anthony Michelli and Duncan Hopkins., trio with Jeff Williams, The Stan Sulzmann Big Band, Joe Locke and Neil Pursey, Claire Martin and Dave Holland in the tribute to Kenny Wheeler at this years London Jazz Festival. Here are some samples from the press reactions to her music: ‘Iles displayed the rhythmic surprises, shape shifting phrases, playful dialogue with a mix of ruggedness and reflection that make her comparable with the great John Taylor. Iles is one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times, with a liquid sound and supple, obliquely resolved phrasing as an improviser”.  The Guardian  -   Nikki Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination who thrives on fugitive melodies” The Observer  -  “An intriguingly varied and very original programme and one which marked Iles as an arranger of considerable talent and as a gifted composer.” – The Times

Nikki will be accompanied by the most in-demand bass player in Hungary, GYÖRGY ORBÁN the brilliant drummer, MÁRTON JUHÁSZ who is carving out an international reputation for himself abroad.