Sam Crockatt Quartet

Sam Crockatt – sax
Kit Downes – piano
Oli Hayhurst – bass
Ben Reynolds – drums

Formed in 2002 the Sam Crockatt Quartet is made up of 4 of the most in-demand, creative young jazz musicians in London. Each member of the group has a strong individual voice and these voices blend to form a cohesive, swirling band sound equally at home on Crockatt’s originals as jazz standards. The music is highly lyrical and though sometimes very free, never loses touch with melody. The first album
‘Howeird’ had excellent reviews and won album of the year in the 2009 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The band is a member of London based Loop Collective.

“Sam is a relaxed and confident improvisor and the sun shines in his music”
Tim Garland

“Haunting Lyricism”
John Fordham - 4* review of Howeird in the Gaurdian

"His love of an elegant melody is apparent throughout, his light but strong, warbling, slightly smoky tenor sound perfectly gauged to bring out his tunes' freshness, grace and vitality"
Chris Parker - vortex jazz

Sam Crockatt is a unique voice on the tenor saxophone. He has played in venues across the country and as far abroad as Serbia and Tahiti. As well as leading his own band Sam has appeared with amongst others Pete King, Julian Arguelles, and Gwilym Simcock.

Kit Downes is an incredible talent on the piano. A BBC rising star winner, his first album “Golden” came out to rave reviews. He is equally at home playing piano in his own trio and the Sam Crockatt Quartet as he is playing keyboards and organ in ground breaking bands like Troyka and the Golden Age of Steam.

Oli Hayhurst is a deeply melodic and imaginative bass player who has played all over the world with a variety of musicians including Zoe Rahman, Ray Gelato, Liam Noble,Tom Rainey, and Bobby Wellins.

Ben Reynolds is another incredibly versatile musician. His light touch and textural wizardry has graced stages the world over with amongst others Clare Teal, Joe Stilgoe, Fraud, and Mark Lockheart.

Members