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John William Frank Critchinson was born on December 24, 1934 in London, England. 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 became a member of Ronnie Scott’s Quartet until it folded 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 had an association 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.

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

Pianist John Critchinson, who recorded eleven albums as a leader and was affectionately known as Critch, passed away on December 15, 2017.

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