Spike's Place presents Mark Crooks Quartet

Mark Crooks makes a welcome return to the JCUK today, his first date here since 2019. Mark is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, and the Guildhall School, and won the Young Jazz Player of the Year competition back in 1991. He spent some time as a sideman in Clare Teal’s band, and has forged an international career as an assured, inventive tenor player in straight ahead and hard bop settings. As a clarinettist, he has performed with Julian Marc Stringle in a Benny Goodman band, and taken the lead part in Artie Shaw tribute concerts.

The piano stool will be graced by the urbane presence of John Pearce, always a welcome guest on our stage; Simon Thorpe plays bass and Matt Fishwick makes his second appearance of the month at the JCUK in the drum chair.