Jazz: Sam Crockatt Quartet

Saxophonist Sam Crockatt returns to the club as band leader, with a formidable line-up all of whom lead their own projects and are recognised as fine composers.

Having graduated from the Royal Academy, Sam Crockatt formed a band with Gwilym Simcock, Oli Hayhurst, and Ben Reynolds leading to debut recording Howeird in 2008, which won a Parliamentary Jazz Award later that year. Flood Tide followed, commended by The Guardian for its “Haunting lyricism”. Citing John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, and Lee Konitz among his musical influences, Sam’s ability to marry his understanding of past masters with contemporary styles keeps him constantly in demand and has taken him to stages at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Kragujevac Jazz Festival (Serbia) and WDR Festival (Cologne). He also appears on albums by vocalist Kaz Simmons and pianist Sam Leak. In 2011 Sam and his young family moved to Mells in Somerset, the peal of the bells in his new home village inspiring the title track of his most recent recording Mells Bells – the album has drawn praise from such eminent publications as The Guardian, Jazzwise Magazine, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

Pianist Rebecca Nash has received many press plaudits for her album releases Peaceful King [2019] and Redefining Element 78 [2003]. “The clarity of this creative voice that unifies the project marks her out as one to watch both as a composer and musician” – ★★★★  JAZZWISE, UK

Bassist Henrik Jensen moved from Denmark to London in 1997 and is a graduate of the Royal Academy. He has toured the world from Tokyo to Moscow with various modern jazz projects and also as part of the band for close harmony group The Puppini Sisters. Henrik has previously appeared at the club as band leader with his quartet Followed By Thirteen and a trio featuring Danish pianist Esben Tjalve.

Drummer Mark Whitlam is one of Bristol’s busiest musicians and has worked with major jazz names such as Andy Sheppard, Iain Ballamy, and Jason Rebello. He is also a Senior Lecturer at BIMM Music College. Mark composed much of the music for neo-soul band We Are Leif and also contributes electronics to band Michelson Morley alongside his acoustic drums.

Dining at the Hen & Chicken

Here at the Hen & Chicken, we are passionate about fresh, tasty food & local craft beers. Why not make a night of it and join us for dinner before the gig?

You can book your table for dinner here: Book a Table – Hen & Chicken