Clovis Nicolas

New York-city based French jazz bassist Clovis Nicolas is an in-demand performer with a style steeped in the post-bop and modern jazz traditions. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Nicolas grew up in Provence, France, and later honed his skills studying at the Conservatory of Music in Marseilles. After graduating, he relocated to Paris, where he quickly established himself as highly regarded sideman, playing with such artists as Brad Mehldau, Stefano Di Battista, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and others. He also racked up impressive session credits, including albums with Stephane Belmondo, and Baptiste Trotignon. Awarded the Lavoisier Scholarship from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, Nicolas then moved to New York City. There, he furthered his education, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the Juilliard School, and studying with bassists Ron Carter and Ben Wolfe, and composer Kendall Briggs. Since moving to New York, he has played with a bevy of name artists including Branford Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Dan Nimmer, and more. As a leader, he debuted with Nine Stories on Sunnyside in 2014. In 2018, he returned with his sophomore album, Freedom Suite Ensuite, which featured contributions from saxophonist Grant Stewart, drummer Kenny Washington, and trumpeters Brandon Lee and Bruce Harris. ~ Matt Collar