A highly regarded jazz pianist, Dave Kikoski emerged in New York jazz scene in 1980s and quickly established himself as a go-to performer

working with top players like Roy Haynes, Bob Berg, Randy Brecker and many others. Kikoski is known for his adept post-bob style and spontaneous swinging play.

As a leader, Kikoski has released 20 albums, including Presage with Eddie Gomez and Al Foster (1989) and Consequences featuring Jeff “Tain” Watts and Christian McBride (2015). His most recent two albums were released under High Note Records: Phoenix Rising (2019) and Sure Thing (2021).

As an invaluable go-to sideman, Kikoski recorded and toured with luminaries such as Roy Haynes, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Ravi Coltrane, Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Roy Hargrove, Donny McCaslin, Mike Stern, Chick Corea, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Toots Thielemans, Tom Harrell, Marcus Miller, Pat Martino, Jack Dejohnette, Billy Hart and many others. He is also a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, the co-leader of BeatleJazz, and a member of Opus Five.

Kikoski won a 2011 Grammy Award with the Mingus Big Band for the “Best Live Jazz Ensemble Album” for Live at the Jazz Standard. He also had a Grammy nomination with Roy Haynes for the album, Birds of a Feather: A tribute to Charlie Parker, in 2001.

“The brilliant playing of David Kikoski just smokes. His playing is sparkling.” – Chick Corea

“Dave has so much feeling. He can play anything. I can depend on him for so much.” – Roy Haynes