Studio Jazz: Claire Martin and Jim Mullen Group

We’re delighted to have Claire back in the Studio after a few years’ absence and her star continues to rise after nearly 40 years in the business. Joining the duo are bassist extraordinaire Laurence Cottle and the highly sought-after drummer Ian Thomas.  

Widely acclaimed as “one of the finest jazz singers of her generation”, Claire Martin brings warmth, emotional depth, and effortless swing to every performance. Claire became a professional singer at 19 and two years later realised her dream of singing at Ronnie Scott’s legendary jazz club in London Soho. Signed to the prestigious Glasgow based Linn Records in 1990, Claire has since released 18 CDs with the label, collaborating with musical luminaries including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Richard Rodney Bennett and Jim on many of these recordings. She’s won the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career and in 2018 was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz. She’s also appeared as a featured soloist with the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Claire also co-presented BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz program ‘Jazz Line Up’ from 2000 to 2017. 

Jim Mullen, described as “a master guitarist with a sound instantly his own”, remains one of the most distinctive and influential voices in British jazz. Glasgow-born and multi award-winning, Jim has had a career spanning more than 5 decades, touring and recorded with many leading UK and US artists including Brian Auger, Gene Harris, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Herbie Mann, Johnny Griffin, Mose Alison, Average White Band, Terry Callier, Georgie Fame and Van Morrison. Jim also shared a 15 year partnership with great UK tenor saxophonist Dick Morrissey in the much loved British band Morrissey Mullen throughout the 1980’s. He’s also recorded many acclaimed albums under his own name. 

Claire and Jim’s musical partnership dates back to the early 1990s, during which time they have recorded and performed around the world in both duo and quartet settings. This special reunion brings together four old friends united by their shared love of the Great American Songbook and deep groove. Individually celebrated as masters of their craft, the quartet delivers outstanding musicianship, with Claire’s soulful vocals leading the way and Jim—fresh from celebrating his 80th birthday—adding his unmistakable sound, warmth, and vibe to the mix.  

Many will recognise Ian Thomas from his work with Tom Jones, Robben Ford, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and BB King and Laurence Cottle from his projects with Alan Parsons Project, Brian Eno, Eric Clapton, Seal and Van Morrison to name but a few.  

Claire Martin – voice  

Jim Mullen – guitar  

Laurence Cottle – bass  

Ian Thomas – drums