Professional saxophonist and teacher

Craig Crofton is an Anglo-American saxophonist who has been a dynamic presence on the UK music scene for over 30 years.

Renowned for the “visceral excitement” and power of his playing, Craig has developed a distinctive sound that makes him a standout performer across a range of musical genres. A protégé of Marcus Printup (Lincoln Center Orchestra), Craig has forged a unique musical identity while collaborating with a diverse roster of acclaimed artists.

His credits include performances and recordings with Kasabian, The Haggis Horns, Nitin Sawhney, This Is The Kit, DJ Suv (Reprazent), Crazy P, Dreadsquad, and Dub From Atlantis. He also leads and performs with some of Bristol’s most vibrant bands, including Jazz Reggae Sessions, Baila La
Cumbia
, and Buena Bristol Social Club.

Craig’s career has also seen him share stages with jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Maceo Parker, Toots and the Maytals, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jon Faddis, and Pee Wee Ellis. He has been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and performed at iconic venues like Ronnie Scott’s in London and The Blue Note in New York City.

In addition to his performance career, Craig is a passionate educator with decades of experience as a teacher and workshop leader. He is the director of the highly regarded youth jazz ensemble, the Bristol Beacon Jazz Ambassadors, where he inspires and mentors the next generation of jazz
musicians. Dedicated to bringing jazz to wider and younger audiences, Craig remains an influential figure in the vibrant Bristol music community and beyond.


Teaching Experience

As an educator I have been teaching for over 30 years with much of that time as assistant director of the highly acclaimed BlowoutSax School in Bath.

I have helped many of my students into world famous music programs including Trinity, Royal Academy, Royal Welsh, Leeds School Of Music and Chethams School Of Music.

As these young musicians have come out of further studies they have turned into working professional musicians in their own right!

I am one of Headwind‘s recommended saxophone teachers and I work closely with them to arrange equipment for my students when needed.

I’m also highly sought after for educational workshops and I continue to encourage and promote the jazz genre to young people.

See more about my availability for events and one to one saxophone lessons in Bristol & Bath.

I also offer online saxophone lessons.

Members of the Bristol Beacon Jazz Ambassadors performed this rendition of Abdullah Ibrahim’s track Calypso Minor, arranged and produced by the ensemble’s director, Craig Crofton.