John Critchinson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John William Frank Critchinson |
| Born | 24 December 1934 London, England |
| Died | 15 December 2017 (aged 82) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | piano |
| Years active | 1970s–2017 |
John William Frank Critchinson (24 December 1934 – 15 December 2017) also known as "Critch", was an English jazz pianist.[1]
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]
