John Critchinson Benefit Concert Featuring Mornington Lockett, Art Themen, Jacqui Hicks, And Many More...

One of the most highly regarded jazz pianists in the UK, John Critchinson’s incisive, melodic, playing has been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene for more than 40 years. He is perhaps best known for his work with Ronnie Scott, whose group he first joined in 1979, becoming the backbone of his numerous bands right up until Ronnie’s passing in 1996. As well as Ronnie’s various bands John could also be heard with the likes of US stars George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson, Chet Baker and Johnny Griffin. Since the demise of the Ronnie Scott band, as well as a well-established accompanist John has also made a name for himself with his own, varied, groups, including his own piano trio, the Art Themen/John Critchinson band, the Jacqui Hicks/John Critchinson band, the Ronnie Scott Legacy Band and Trio, featuring Dave Cliff and Alec Dankworth. Now in his eighties, sadly John isn’t too well at the moment so some of his musician friends have got together to put on this very special night as a tribute to one of the UK’s jazz greats. Unsurprisingly the evening will be packed full of some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe, including singer Jacqui Hicks, saxophonists Art Themen & Mornington Lockett, trumpeter Henry Lowther, trombonist Mark Nightingale, guitarists Jim Mullen & Dave Cliff, pianists Gareth Williams, James Pearson and John Horler, bass players Dave Green, Andy Cleyndert & Tim Wells and drummers Spike Wells, Trevor Tomkins and Dave Barry. And, as a testament to how well liked and respected John is, a number of other highly regarded musicians have indicated that they will also be dropping down to support John and have a play, so expect plenty of remarkable music in honour of this remarkable man. All monies collected tonight will be given directly to John (who we hope will be there in person) so do come down to hear some fantastic music, experience a brilliant atmosphere and contribute to the support of one of the UK's best loved jazz musicians....all at the same time!

“John Critchinson...one of Britain's finest jazz pianists” Guardian; "Jacqui Hicks...a singer of warmth, poise and intelligence whose smoky voice is a pleasure to listen to" Yorkshire Post; “Lockett…plays with tremendous fluency and drive” Evening Standard; "Art Themen...still one of the most adventurous and edgy saxophonists...turning on a thrilling performance...had the perfect storm of a set" LondonJazz News; "Nightingale...possesses a prodigious technique coupled with a fully rounded...sound that lifts the music well off the paper...it was written on" LondonJazz News; “Mullen...One of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise