Biography
Nicole Glover is a highly regarded American jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator, currently based in New York City. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she was introduced to improvised music by her father and began her musical journey on clarinet at age ten, switching to tenor saxophone a year later. Her passion for jazz flourished in high school, where she participated in the American Music Program and was selected for the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, performing nationally with luminaries such as Bobby Watson, Julian Lage, and Wynton Marsalis at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Glover attended William Paterson University, studying under jazz greats Mulgrew Miller, Harold Mabern, and Rich Perry. Returning to Portland in 2011, she quickly became a fixture on the local scene, recording on Esperanza Spalding’s Grammy-winning 'Radio Music Society' and collaborating with George Colligan, Alan Jones, and others. She released her acclaimed debut album 'First Record' in 2015, earning praise for her distinctive sound and emotional depth. Since relocating to New York City, Glover has performed at major venues and festivals worldwide, joined the all-female supergroup Artemis, and toured with Latin Grammy winner Buika. Her 2021 album 'Strange Lands' further established her as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
Glover’s style is rooted in the hard bop tradition but is marked by a modern sensibility, technical virtuosity, and a deep commitment to improvisational exploration. As an educator, she is on faculty at the New York Jazz Workshop and the Manhattan School of Music, mentoring the next generation of jazz artists. Her career reflects both a reverence for jazz history and a drive to push the music forward.
Fun Facts
- Nicole was one of only 19 students nationwide selected for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, performing with Wynton Marsalis at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
- She was a member of Ural Thomas and the Pain, opening for Parliament Funkadelic and Booker T. Jones, and the band won Willamette Weekly’s 'Best New Band of 2013'.
- Glover joined the internationally acclaimed all-female jazz supergroup ARTEMIS in 2020.
- She is an Emmy Award recipient through her work with Ural Thomas and the Pain, featured on 'Oregon Art Beat'.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Mulgrew Miller - Studied with him at William Paterson University (University studies, masterclasses) [2000s–2010s]
- Harold Mabern - Studied with him at William Paterson University (University studies, masterclasses) [2000s–2010s]
- Rich Perry - Studied with him at William Paterson University (University studies, masterclasses) [2000s–2010s]
- Her father - Introduced her to improvised music and jazz (Early musical exposure) [Childhood]
Key Collaborators
- Esperanza Spalding - Recorded and performed together (Radio Music Society (album)) [2011]
- George Colligan - Frequent collaborator in multiple ensembles (First Record (album), various ensembles) [2010s]
- Alan Jones - Performed and recorded together (First Record (album), Alan Jones Storyline Sextet) [2010s]
- Ural Thomas and the Pain - Band member, performed and recorded (Live performances, recordings) [2013+]
- Buika - Joined world tour as saxophonist (2019 world tour, Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall) [2019]
- ARTEMIS - Member of the all-female jazz supergroup (Performances, recordings) [2020+]
Artists Influenced
- Students at New York Jazz Workshop and Manhattan School of Music - Mentor and educator, shaping young jazz musicians (Workshops, private instruction) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Memories, Dreams, Reflections | 2025-06-27 | Album |
| Plays | 2024-03-29 | Album |
| Strange Lands | 2021-08-27 | Album |
| Literature | 2020-05-06 | Album |
| City Life: Music of Gregg Hill | 2025-06-20 | Album |
| More Powerful | 2017-06-30 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tell Him I Said Hello (Tell Him I Said Hello)
- Obsidian (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- No. 2 (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- Petrichor (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- Resilience (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- Open During Construction (Open During Construction)
- The Fox (Plays)
- Spy (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- Androgeny (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
- Broken (Memories, Dreams, Reflections)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Nicole Glover has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | 17:53 | Petrichorfrom Memories Dreams Reflections | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 07:16 | No. 2from Memories, Dreams, Reflections | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Dec 31, 2025 | 07:42 | Brokenfrom Memories, Dreams, Reflections | The Morning Setw/ Breaux Bridges | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 16:55 | Spyfrom Memories Dreams Reflections | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell | |
| Sep 12, 2025 | 18:46 | Spyfrom Memories Dreams Reflections | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell |