John Critchinson Trio John Critchinson & Art Themen John Critchinson Trio Ronnie Scott Legacy 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 still being considered for re-release by Trio Records! John and Art work regularly at the Bull's Head Barnes and JAGZ Ascot (see my gig list).
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.
In 2002, vocalist Jacqui Hicks joined John, Dave Green - Double Bass and Tristan Mailliot - Drums and made the first of 4 appearances at Ronnie Scott's Club. This very successful Quartet is setting high standards, with new arrangements of the British and American Song Books, ancient and modern. Their CD - 'With A Song In My Heart' is available on 33 Records. They recorded Jacqui's latest CD, as yet untitled, in December 2008 and a release is expected late in 2009.
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's long awaited Trio CD - 'Remove all Covers' with Dave Green and Tristan Mailliot, is on 33 Records: '11 tracks of standards and compositions by cherished British and American Jazz musicians' and has been selling well despite the lack of music press reviews.
John's Solo Piano CD - 'Where's the tune, Johnny?', a collection of 16 lesser known Standard songs, is on Trio Records and continues to sell regularly at gigs.
The latest project is TRIO - a joint venture with Alec Dankworth on Bass and Dave Cliff on Guitar. A CD is planned for Autumn 2009.