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A very special night! When Ronnie Scott expanded his band he could have chosen any saxophonist in the world. He chose Mornington Lockett! As a very exciting extra, tonight’s rhythm section also features the ex-Ronnie Scott pianist John Critchinson and the ubiquitous bassist Dave Green who has played with everyone. Drummer Roger Odell will do his best to keep up! What a great night for those present who were all enthralled by this quartet which really showed the best of British Jazz.
Saxophonist, composer and teacher Mornington Lockett studied at Dartington College of Arts, gaining a first class honours degree, before moving to London to attend the Guildhall School of Music And Drama as a post-graduate. As a member of the Ronnie Scott Quintet, Mornington toured widely, in the U.K. and internationally. He has recorded albums with Ronnie Scott, Jim Mullen, Stan Tracey, Don Grusin, Martin Drew, Claire Martin, Sarah Jane Morris and Ian Shaw. Recent commercial studio work includes a session with Oasis and even a number of ‘smooth jazz’ albums with Shakatak.
Mornington Lockett
John Critchinson.
A Cockney by birth but West Country man by upbringing, John achieved wide recognition as a Jazz Pianist when he joined Ronnie Scotts Quartet in 1979.
During his 16 years with Ronnie’s Quartet and Quintet, they played many concerts in the UK, overseas and in Ronnie Scott’s Club.
John also worked at the Club with George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson, Chet Baker and Johnny Griffin.
Dave Green. Surprisingly for a bass player of such skill and prestige, Green is self-taught. His first important engagement as a professional musician was with the Don Rendell – Ian Carr band, which he joined in the early 60s. By the end of the decade he had established himself as a major figure, having worked with musicians as diverse as Stan Tracey and Humphrey Lyttelton. He also played and recorded with many front-rank visiting Americans who counted themselves fortunate in having his solidity and flair behind them. Throughout the 80s and into the following decades, Green remained at the forefront of British jazz, working with Peter King, Didier Lockwood, Spike Robinson and a host of other British and visiting jazzmen. A superb timekeeper and exceptional soloist, Green is the essence of the international jazz musician.
Roger Odell I first began playing drums at about the age of 14 in a band that we formed at my school, Buckhurst Hill County High, and later I played in various dance bands in the Essex/Herts 
area. In my late teens I formed a modern jazz group and played regularly at The Greyhound in Harlow,
Towards the end of the 70’s I formed a jazz-rock band called Tracks with Trevor on bass, Bill Sharpe (keyboards) and Keith Winter (guitar). When Trevor left to form Buggles his replacement was Martin Elliot, now with Michael Nyman. Ian Hamlett, formerly of C.M.U., and bassist John Dover also played with Tracks. As well as being a member of Shakatak, I free-lance in other situations and I also run my own bands, often featuring my wife Larraine as vocalist. Our son Jamie (Jimpster, Audiomontage, DJ, Re-mixer) is a keyboard playing Producer/Engineer rapidly making a name for himself with a variety of projects.
Larraine Odell with Mornington Lockett, John Critchinson, Dave Green & Roger Odell
John Critchinson, Dave Green & Mornington Lockett
John Critchinson, Dave Green & Roger Odell
CRISSY LEE QUARTET will be at Jazz Nights on Sunday 4th June 2017
Crissy is widely acclaimed as being the UK’s and Europe’s finest female drummer. Born in Colchester, Essex her career has seen Crissy travel the globe, appearing on numerous TV programmes and bringing the rich rewards of sharing the stage with some of the world’s greatest celebrities. The quartet have recorded a new CD “My Favourite Things”.
THE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, The Bell Hotel. Clare, Suffolk. CO10 8NN
Admission £10. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.
Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com
Pay on the night.
You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk
Pictures from past gigs can also be seen HERE
For further information on future gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com
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