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 in Marseilles. He moved 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 Belmondo and Baptiste Trotignon. Awarded the Lavoisier Scholarship from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, Nicolas then relocated in New York City. There, he furthered his education, earning a Master's Degrees from the Juilliard School, and studying with bassist Ron Carter 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, Joe Magnarelli, Marcus Gilmore, Samora Pinderhughes 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 trumpeter Brandon Lee. His latest album for Sunnyside, Autoportrait, features him in a complete solo bass performance. His upcoming album "The Contrapuntist" will be released on March 10 for Sunnyside Records!