Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Chris Laurence: A Master Bassist Bridging Classical and Jazz Worlds
Born in the heart of London on January 6, 1949, Chris Laurence grew up in a city where musical boundaries have always been meant to be crossed. As a double bassist, he drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of visionaries—Keith Jarrett’s lyrical piano explorations, Miroslav Vitous’s revolutionary bass work, Tony Coe’s clarinet mastery, and Chick Corea’s fusion innovations. These diverse influences would shape Laurence into one of Britain’s most versatile and sought-after bassists.

A Career of Creative Collaborations
Laurence first gained significant recognition during the 1980s through his work in various innovative trios with the adventurous drummer Tony Oxley. In 1984, he expanded his musical palette further by joining the prestigious London Bach Orchestra—a move that showcased his ability to move fluidly between the worlds of jazz improvisation and classical precision.

His collaborative spirit has led him to work with a remarkable roster of British jazz luminaries: the atmospheric saxophonist John Surman, the powerful tenor voice of Alan Skidmore, the poetic pianist John Taylor, the lyrical trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, and the versatile percussionist Frank Ricotti. Each partnership revealed a different facet of Laurence’s musical personality.

An Extraordinary Session Legacy
As a sideman, Laurence’s discography reads like a who’s who of contemporary music. He has appeared on some twenty-one albums alongside artists as varied as Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, minimalist composer Michael Nyman, pianist Gordon Beck, saxophonist Elton Dean, and classical guitarist John Williams. His bass lines have graced recordings on virtually every major label—EMI, CBS, Turtle, ECM, Vinyl, MN, Virgin Venture, Ogun, Sony Classical, and Columbia—testament to his universal appeal and adaptability.

Stepping into the Spotlight
After decades of enriching others’ music, Laurence recently stepped forward as a leader, forming the Chris Laurence Quartet and releasing his debut album “New View.” The title itself seems to acknowledge a career spent supporting others’ visions—now, finally, it’s time for his own perspective to take center stage.

For those who know jazz and classical music in Britain, Chris Laurence’s name represents reliability, creativity, and that rare ability to make every note count—whether behind a bandleader or leading his own ensemble.

More Posts: bass