Malcolm Creese

b. 24 August 1959, Bristol, England. After singing in the St. John’s College, Cambridge choir as a boy, Creese studied classical cello at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, worked as a freelance with various classical orchestras and then in 1985, switched instruments and style. As a bass player he quickly began to make a name in London jazz circles and in 1990 joined Stan Tracey. The following year he was invited to join the group led by John Dankworth and Cleo Laine. During the 90s he continued playing with Dankworth and Laine and also appeared on numerous recording sessions with pop artists, including Sting, Rod Stewart, Depeche Mode, Chris De Burgh and Shara Nelson. In these same years he also played with jazz groups and led his own trio with John Horler and Tony Coe. Creese has also played on many movie soundtracks and on television (shows and commercials). In addition to his extensive jazz and pop work, Creese has continued to work in the classical field. He is also active as a record producer and runs several labels including ABCDs and Black Box Jazz on which he has recorded singer Liz Fletcher, Matt Wates, Coe and Dankworth. Creese’s sound musical background and wide experience has resulted in his becoming a much sought-after session player and he brings to all his work a deep sense of commitment and enormous technical and rhythmic skills.