Mark Crooks Quartet

Mark Crooks (clarinet/saxophone)

Gabriel Latchin (piano)

Jeremy Brown (double bass)

Steve Brown (drums)

Mark Crooks always gets great reactions for his performances on clarinet and on tenor sax: “luscious sound and apparently effortless phrasing”; “a big, warm, engaging tone”; “gorgeous, liquid and elegant.” Gabriel Latchin has “a particular crispness in his playing and a lucidity that grips the attention” and “explores every niche of the melody.” Jeremy Brown and Steve Brown complete this great line-up.

Mark Crooks (Clarinet & Tenor Sax)

Much in demand as both leader and sideman, Mark works in a wide variety of musical settings including jazz, big band, classical, shows and recording sessions on clarinet and saxophone. Mark is a member of the award-winning Back to Basie Orchestra and the celebrated John Wilson Orchestra, with which he has played regularly at the BBC Proms. He has performed with artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Sir Simon Rattle, Lady Gaga to Dame Cleo Laine at venues from Ronnie Scott’s in London to the Lincoln Center in New York. Currently Mark is enjoying playing in Jazz At The Movies with singer Joanna Eden, Salud Tom Jobim! with Georgia Mancio and with his own quartet in concerts around the UK. He also features in Getz, A Musical Portrait with the Chris Ingham Quartet and in drummer Matt Skelton’s Manne – Date Quintet.

Gabriel Latchin (Piano)

British pianist, composer and bandleader, Gabriel Latchin has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, known for his effortlessly swinging feel, deep repertoire and compelling performances, The Guardian’s Dave Gelly recently said: “For my money, … Gabriel Latchin is the best straight-ahead jazz pianist to appear in the past few years.” Recognised internationally as a talented composer and arranger, Latchin’s writing is fresh and original, whilst reflecting his serious study of the jazz piano tradition. He is a regular performer at London’s premier jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club and the 606. 2020 saw the release of I’ll Be Home for Christmas, his third album as a leader, which builds on the success of his 2019 album The Moon and I.

Jeremy Brown (Bass)

Jeremy Brown was born in Bedford to a musical family and progressed through music education finally achieving a first from the Royal Academy of Music. Since then he has become a sought-after bass player on the London jazz scene working with artists such as Julian Joseph, Peter King as well as backing visiting artists Art Farmer, Charles McPherson and Larry Willis. Jeremy is currently a member of several groups, notably trios with Rob Barron and Alex Bryson, continues to be a member of the BBC Big Band and is professor of Jazz Bass at the Royal Academy of Music.

Steve Brown (Drums)

Born in Manchester, Steve began playing drums at age 14, and by age 19, he was performing with local jazz groups. By 23, Steve had become the "first call" jazz drummer in Manchester, working with Scott Hamilton, Art Farmer and UK artists in the city. In 1996, Brown moved to London and began working as a sideman with many of the capital’s finest musicians and visiting jazz greats. During the next 4 years his playing career went from strength to strength. Steve was the winner of the ‘Drums’ and ‘Rising Star’ categories in the 1999 British Jazz Awards; he has won the British Jazz award in 10 of the last 20 years. In 2000 Steve joined the Quartet of the great jazz saxophonist Scott Hamilton and has toured internationally with him, while he has continued to perform and record with a wide variety of other artists.