Nikki Iles, Rufus Reid & Jeff Williams - Hush

'Hush' features US bass legend Rufus Reid and US drummer Jeff Williams. There was an instant rapport between the musicians. Nikki had played with both Rufus and Jeff on other projects and although both Jeff and Rufus had extensively worked with great musicians such as Stan Getz, Tom Harrell, Lee Konitz and Joe Lovano, they had never played together until this recording. The music is a lyrical eclectic mix of tunes, some originals with a mix of Arguelles, Towner, Wheeler, Le Grand, David, Brubeck and Rodgers and Hart.

In 2002 Nikki Iles recorded her first trio album 'Everything I Love' on Basho with Canadians Duncan Hopkins and Anthony Michelli. It seemed time for a new one. 'Hush' was inspired by a project with the London Philharmonic's 'Renga' ensemble where both Rufus and Nikki were featured composers. Having played with Jeff Williams in Martin Speake's band Nikki came up with the idea of recording an album in New York with two New Yorkers that had never played together at Dae Bennett's (son of Tony) in September 2010.

Nikki says: To make music with Jeff and Rufus has been an incredible privilege. They have played with so many of the great names in jazz and are now a part of the history of this music. I really felt inspired by the depth of their playing. In recording this CD I found the kind of unforced interaction and intimacy that I love which allows for a continuous free flow of ideas.