Nikki Yeoh

About Nikki Yeoh

She has performed with Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Neneh Cherry, Kurt Elling, Eddie Harris, Nigel Kennedy, Courtney Pine and The Roots. She was Musical Director and Mentor for the BBC Young Jazz Musician Competition 2020 and 2022.

Nikki is lead for jazz, pop and improvisation at Music Education Islington, Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and is also a Principal lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, teaching the future stars of jazz, all about improvisation and she won the Jazz FM Instrumentalist Award in 2017 and the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Education award 2024.

What is your most memorable jazz gig?

My most memorable gig is the first time I went to Ronnie Scott's. I was about 14. The main act was Irakere, the Cuban Latin jazz band, led by the virtuoso pianist Chucho Valdez.  They were supported by fabulous British tenor player Steve Williamson. I was mesmerized by every musician's technique, feel and heart in the music. I knew I'd found my calling. 

What introduced you to jazz music?

In the 80's instrumental lessons were free at school. I was lucky to have studied the saxophone with British Jazz Legend Don Rendell. He would tell me who to check out and I'd run down to the library after school and go digging in the crates for vinyls such as John Coltrane's 'Africa Brass' Chick Corea's 'Crystal Silence' and anything else they had that had great big orange sticker on it saying 'JAZZ!' 

What is your favourite tune to hum in the morning?

The tune I hum in the morning changes allot, depending on what music I'm practising for each gig. I love George Duke's sense of melody and harmony. 'Someday' is great as the harmony is so uplifting, plus he sings pretty high and that suits my register too.  

What are your favourite jazz lyrics?

My favourite lyrics are 'Hurricane' by Bob Dylan. The song is a true story and Dylan's song helped bring to attention the injustice of the story which led to justice being made. Powerful in so many ways. Music is amazing!

If you were to choose the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Jazz FM Awards, who would you give it to and why?

My choice for 'lifetime achievement award' would go to Billy Cobham.  Billy is not only a virtuosic drummer, but he has played a pivotal role in creating a new idiom in music. He is a jazz rock, jazz fusion pioneer and continues to create incredible music as he enters his 81st year around the sun.