Martin Litton (pianist)
Martin Litton | |
---|---|
Birth name | Martin Nicholas Litton |
Born | 14 May 1957 |
Origin | Grays, Essex, UK |
Genres | [[Ragtime] [Stride] [Swing & Early Bop]] |
Instrument(s) | Piano |
Years active | [1977 - 1990 (band) 1990 - Present (band, small ensembles, solo)] |
Labels | [Various independent] |
Website | [www.martinlitton.com] |
Martin Litton (born 14 May 1957) is a British jazz pianist born in Grays, Essex, UK, noteworthy for his early work with Kenny Ball from 1983-1984 on his tour of the Middle East and tour of Russia and for a recording session with Humphrey Lyttleton. Litton’s fluency of style(s) and the historical context he brings to his jazz piano has taken him around the world18, playing with and respected by many of the great names in jazz, past and present. His keyboard skills have been honed by his attention to detail and personal discipline both in terms of musicianship as well as knowledge of the development of jazz piano
An early review summary by Ken Rattenbury of Litton’s jazz piano playing has been echoed by many critics bringing similar epithets throughout his career: ‘a delicious fun thing bubbles from start to finish, with Martin Litton piano, arranger, a lyrical strider, well versed in the elusive art of accompaniment, lovely soloist, and with a rare way with ragtime’
Litton has been described as a stride piano expert.[1] His Gramercy Five band recreated the small group swing style of Artie Shaw.[2]
Select discography
- Jazz Piano (1994; Solo Art)
With Clare Teal
- The Road Less Travelled (Candid Records)
- Orsino's Song (Candid Records)
- That's The Way It Is (Candid Records)
With Kenny Davern
- Kenny Davern Big Three (1985; Jazzology Records)
- This Old Gang of Ours (1985; Calligraph Records)
- Come Love (1998; Opus 3 Records)
With Marty Grosz
- Ring Dem Bells (Nagel-Heyer Records)
References
External links