Nick Rolfe, a talented individual, made his debut in the world on Philadelphia's soil, Pennsylvania, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. As he embarked on his life's journey, his formative years were spent in the picturesque city of Seattle, Washington, where the great outdoors and urban attractions blend in perfect harmony. It was within this environment that Nick's passion for music was first kindled, as he began to study the piano at the tender age of six. Under the guidance of accomplished instructors, Nick diligently honed his skills, quickly mastering not only the classical repertoire, but also the modern pop genre.
Nick Rolfe embarked on his collegiate journey at the renowned Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, a premier institution for music education, where he was fortunate enough to be mentored by two highly influential individuals, the accomplished trombonist Julian Priester and the esteemed saxophonist Hadley Caliman. After spending two formative years at Cornish, Nick made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of New York, where he went on to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music performance at the esteemed Mannes Conservatory of The New School for Social Research, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs and esteemed faculty.
Nick Rolfe is a remarkably talented and versatile musician, whose impressive musical repertoire spans multiple genres, including R&B, jazz, gospel, funk, and alternative music. Based in New York City, he currently performs with a variety of groups, showcasing his exceptional skills to audiences in and around the city.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nick has had the privilege of sharing the stage and collaborating with an impressive array of renowned musicians. He has performed and/or toured with iconic saxophonist Frank Foster, drummer Charlie Persip, bassist Eddie Gomez, alto-saxophonist Arnie Lawrence, trumpeter Jimmy Owens, saxophonist Billy Harper, bassist Buster Williams, bassist Reggie Workman, bassist Cecil McBee, drummer Cecil Brooks III, saxophonist Don Braden, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist John Lee, saxophonist Benny Golson, drummer Winard Harper, drummer Gene Lake, actress/vocalist Carrie Smith, actor/comedian Dave Chappelle, Grady Tate, flutist Bobbi Humphrey, two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn, Ethnomusicology drummer T.S. Monk, actor/choreographer Hinton Battle, soul singer Amel Larrieux, soul singer Alison Crockett, UK nu-soul pioneer Omar, UK soul sensation Julie Dexter, and Verve recording artist Lizz Wright.
Nick's debut album as a leader, "The Persuader", released on Blue Jay Records, achieved remarkable success, reaching the #5 spot on multiple jazz charts in the United States in the year 2001. This milestone further cemented his reputation as a gifted and forward-thinking musician, earning him widespread recognition within the jazz community.
As both a leader and sideman, Nick has embarked on numerous tours, both domestically and internationally, garnering critical acclaim for his performances in support of his subsequent albums, "The Remedy", released in 2003, and "The Mind Of An Evolutionary", released in 2005. Additionally, his work as a highly sought-after piano player and keyboardist for other artists has solidified his status as a versatile and in-demand musician.
