John Critchinson Trio John Critchinson & Art Themen John Critchinson Trio Ronnie Scott Legacy Band Recording Info Links
JOHN CRITCHINSON Pianist
Born a true Cockney but spent his formative years (until aged 44!) in the West Country, around the Bath area. Worked with Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Jimmy Deuchar, Major Holly and many others in the early 1950s at a weekly jazz club, The Icebox, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, whilst an apprentice electrician in his 'teens.
After apprenticeship, worked as a semi-pro in and around Bath, including 2 years with the Bristol based Avon Cities Jazz Band, then moved via Bridport (Dorset) to Torquay (Devon).
After 18 months running a Quartet at the Imperial Hotel, in 1978 with the valued help of his friend and teacher, pianist Bill le Sage, he moved to London and joined Ronnie Scott's Quartet and was with the band until it ceased working in 1995.
Whilst with Ronnie's various groups, John also spent 3 years with the Morrissey Mullen Band and worked with many great American players including Chet Baker, George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin. He also recorded 2 Trio LPs 'Summer Afternoon' and 'New Night'.
In 1995 John and Saxophonist Art Themen formed a Quartet with Dave Green, Double Bass and Dave Barry, Drums, who have appeared regularly at UK and European Festivals and Venues. Their CD 'First Moves' is now unavailable so existing copies are valuable!!!
After the untimely death of Ronnie Scott in 1996, John formed the 'Ronnie Scott Legacy' with Sax/Flautist Pat Crumly which for 3 years, toured the UK and New Zealand plus a Cunard Mediterranean Jazz Cruise.
Some 15 years ago, singer Jacqui Hicks joined John for some Duet performances at several London Pizza Express restaurants. This musical partnership has led to many successful appearances in and around London in Quartet & Quintet form plus 2 CDs. See Homepage.
In early 2005, tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett asked John to join his Quartet and this Band's popularity continues to grow due to Simon's energy and musicianship. Their first CD 'Introducing Simon Spillett' is on Woodville Records as is CD No.2 - ‘Sienna Red’.
John has 2 CDs currently available - 1 Solo and 1 Trio. Details of both are on the recordings link.
The latest projects are:
TRIO - a joint venture with Alec Dankworth on Bass and Dave Cliff on Guitar. A CD is in the planning stage, awaiting a producer... see Homepage.
The Ronnie Scott Legacy Band - ‘Remembering Ronnie’ with Dick Pearce -Trumpet, Mornington Lockett - Tenor Sax, Tim Wells - Double Bass, Mark Fletcher - Drums and John - Piano (electric if necessary) - see Legacy.