John Critchinson

John Critchinson
Background information
Birth nameJohn William Frank Critchinson
Born(1934-12-24)24 December 1934
London, England
Died15 December 2017(2017-12-15) (aged 82)
GenresJazz
OccupationMusician
Instrumentpiano
Years active1970s–2017

John William Frank Critchinson (24 December 1934 – 15 December 2017) also known as "Critch", was an English jazz pianist.[1]

Biography

Critchinson was born in London in 1934. He worked as a part-time musician with Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, and Jimmy Deuchar, among others. In 1979, at the recommendation of his mentor, Bill Le Sage, he was a member of Ronnie Scott's Quartet until it folded in 1995.[2] During that time, he worked with many visiting American artists, including Chet Baker, George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson and Johnny Griffin.[3]

In the early 1980s, he was associated with the British jazz fusion duo Morrissey–Mullen, appearing on two of their albums. He recorded with Dick Morrissey and was a member of Martin Drew's Our Band, with Ron Mathewson, Jim Mullen, and Dick Morrissey.[4]

In 1995, Critchinson formed a quartet with Art Themen on saxophone, Dave Green on bass and Dave Barry on drums.[3] When Scott died in 1996, Critchinson formed the Ronnie Scott Legacy with Pat Crumly on saxophone and flute.[2] Later in his life, he played and recorded with saxophonist Simon Spillett.[5]

Discography

  • Summer Afternoon (Coda, 1982)
  • New Night (Coda, 1984)
  • Ulyssess & the Cyclops (Coda, 1984)
  • Where's the Tune, Johnny?
  • First Moves (Jazz House, 1995)
  • Excuse Me, Do I Know You: A Tribute to Ronnie Scott (Jazz House, 1999)
  • With a Song in My Heart (2002)
  • Introducing Simon Spillett (2007)
  • Remove All Cover (33 Jazz, 2007)
  • Sienna Red, Simon Spillett (2008)
  • Square One, Simon Spillett (2013)

References

  1. ^ "RIP John Critchinson (1934-2017)". londonjazznews.com. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  2. ^ a b Ankeny, Jason. "John Critchinson: Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  3. ^ a b "John Critchinson", Woodville Records. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  4. ^ Carr, Ian and Digby Fairweather, Brian Priestley (2004), The Rough Guide to Jazz, p. 225. Rough Guides.
  5. ^ "John Critchinson...", henrybebop.co.uk. Retrieved 5 September 2020.