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. 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). 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). 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.

Select discography

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 With John Warren With Mike Figgis With Anja Garbarek With Brigitte Baraha With Helen Jane Long With Michel Legrand With Robert Farnon With Elton John With Joni Mitchell With Clark Terry With Guy Barker With Joe Douglas Trio With Michael Garrick/ Don Weller With The Mike Westbrook Concert Band With Neil Ardley With Andy Sheppard With Alan Davie With Alison Moyet With Elvis Costello With Mark Hollis With Zizi Possi With Dick Walter With the London Trombone Quartet With Michael Civisca With Beryl Cook With Morrissey With Gerd Dudek

Soundtracks