Jazz in Autumn

Nikki Iles is a celebrated British pianist, composer, and educator who has risen to the forefront of the jazz world. Born into a musical family, she began her journey with the harmonica and clarinet before finding her true passion in jazz piano. Known for her extraordinary imagination and fugitive melodies, Nikki has made significant contributions to the genre, both as a solo artist and as a founder member of the innovative Creative Jazz Orchestra. Her work as a bandleader and composer has been acclaimed, with notable collaborations including the Umo Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki and the hr-Bigband in Frankfurt. Nikki's expertise extends to education, curating volumes of outstanding jazz piano works that inspire both pianists and teachers. Currently, she is set to take on the role of Principal Conductor of the NDR Bigband, further cementing her influence in the jazz community.