John Critchinson

Who is John Critchinson?

John William Frank Critchinson, also known as "Critch", is an English jazz pianist.

Born in east London, in the early 1950s he worked, as a part-time musician, with Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Jimmy Deuchar, among others. In 1979, at the recommendation of his mentor, Bill Le Sage, he joined Ronnie Scott's Quartet and stayed until it ceased working in 1995. During that time he worked with many visiting American artists including Chet Baker, George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson and Johnny Griffin.

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

In 1995, Critchinson formed a quartet with Art Themen on saxophone, Dave Green on bass and Dave Barry on drums. When Scott died in 1996, Critchinson formed the Ronnie Scott Legacy with Pat Crumly on saxophone and flute. More recently he has been playing and recording with saxophonist Simon Spillett.