Chicago Reader Recommended - But there’s more to Nichols than lyric reflection: a number of the pieces deploy ambiguous constructions, turning form into an absorbing riddle, harmony into oblique atmosphere, and mood into something exquisitely pensive. - Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
[Nichols is] One of our finest jazz pianists ... “Looking North” is tender, romantic, witty and wide-open. - Pamela Espeland, MinnPost
Best Albums of 2016 - If you like solo piano music that forgoes "standards" but has its foundation in folk song, blues, and contemporary music, yet sounds quite original, it's all here in the music of Bryan Nichols. - Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest
Nichols is an expert at telling a story with just his piano. - Youa Vang, CityPages
[Nichols] has proved himself a versatile, daring and inventive keyboardist in lead and accompanying roles, [and has] established himself as one of the Twin Cities' most respected jazz players. - Britt Robson, Star Tribune
A nicely expressive album that lets the tiny details be the music’s fireworks. - Bird is the Worm
**** Bryan Nichols has accomplished his goal; he’s created regional jazz music which can be appreciated by a comprehensive audience. - Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition
Bright Places + Misc
Nichols is a terrific young pianist, one of the best I’ve heard, and the most consistently interesting, surprising and satisfying. - Pamela Espeland, bebopified.com
A brilliant young pianist. - Chris Roberts, MPR News
By the end, I not only felt like I had visited another world, but that I was more in tune with myself as a result. For the performance to be simultaneously grounding and otherworldly was impressive, and a refreshing experience. - Izzy Yellen, The Lawrentian