Chris Laurence

Chris Laurence (born 6 January 1949) is an English musician.

Born in London, he studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and primarily works with jazz and classical music.

In the classical world he was principal double bass with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields orchestra until 1995, playing on many of their recordings ranging from the film Amadeus to Benjamin Britten's Curlew River.

He has recorded with many jazz artists, including trombonist J. J. Johnson, Tony Coe, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Clark Terry, Johnny Mathis, and Lena Horne.

He has also recorded music for television, film, and albums, most notably Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Ken Loach's Looking for Eric (2009), The Constant Gardener (2005), Howard Shore's score for Hugo (2011), and most recently was featured on the soundtrack of Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner (2014).

His most recent recordings include John Surman's The Spaces in Between (2007), Kenny Wheeler's The Long Waiting (2012) and Songs for Quintet on ECM Records, and Norma Winstone's Manhattan in the Rain (1998).

In 2007, he recorded a CD with his own jazz quartet titled New View, released on the Basho label along with Frank Ricotti (vibes), John Parricelli (guitar), Martin France (drums), and featuring Norma Winstone (vocals).

As well as jazz and classical music, Laurence has also featured on albums with many stars including Elton John, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joni Mitchell, David Gilmour, Michel Legrand, and guitarist John Williams.

Chris Laurence Quartet (As leader)

With David Gilmour

With Barry Guy/The London Jazz Composers' Orchestra

With Michael Nyman

With Emily Rose Laurence

With Alan Skidmore

With John Surman

With John Taylor

With Kenny Wheeler

With Brian Miller

With John Horler

With David Forman

Fiachra Trench

With Gareth Williams

With Stan Sultzman

With Frank Ricotti Quartet

With Gordon Beck

With John Williams

With Elton Dean

With the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

With Tony Coe

With Lena Horne

With Sarah Vaughn

With Harry Beckett

With Maurice Andrea/ Michel Legrand

With Geoff Eales

With Debbie Wiseman, Locrian Ensemble

With Johnnie Mathis

With Norma Winstone

With Mike de Albuquerque

With Peter Gabriel

With Gil Evans