An early review summary by Ken Rattenbury of Litton's jazz piano playing[2] has been echoed by many critics bringing similar epithets throughout his career: 'a delicious fun thing bubbles from start to finish, with Martin Litton piano, arranger, a lyrical strider, well versed in the elusive art of accompaniment, lovely soloist, and with a rare way with ragtime'.

After gaining a foothold on the London jazz scene with Steve Lane, Litton joined Harry Gold's Pieces of Eight band before becoming a member in 1983 of Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

During the 1990s Litton continued expanding his range of jazz piano work with leading British musicians including recordings with Humphrey Lyttelton, Wally Fawkes and Digby Fairweather.

He continued to tour the UK in between overseas visits and achieved notable success in Bing and Bob, A Tribute to the Crosby Brothers at the Purcell Room London.

The late jazz critic Jack Masserik writing of Litton's performance in the Evening Standard noted 'how Martin's knowledge of the styles and development of jazz including Dixieland had been showcased in the octet and that behind the four-man front line, rhythm guitarist Neville Skrimshire tripped a feathery four-to-the bar and pianist Martin Litton strode like a latter-day Joe Sullivan.

This aspect of his skill gained wider recognition in programmes for BBC Radio 3 with presenter Alyn Shipton including transmissions of Jazz Library.

On the album White Heat,[24] the Tuxedo Dance Orchestra featuring Litton 'complete with Debussy-inspired introduction and the seldom heard verse... the last track a perfect example of all the qualities that had gone into making this CD such a pleasure to listen to: top quality songs, fresh, imaginative arrangements, and virtuoso musicianship, engaging vocals and above all the feeling that you are listening to a group of musicians who believe in and love the music they are presenting.

These appearances range [25] from accompanist such as to vocalist Janice Day in keeping the wonderful sounds of the 30s and 40s alive, to a double piano act at the Customs House,[26] South Shields.

This latter event, reviewed by Ann Alex said it was as, 'if we were at a Harlem rent party or a New Orleans bordello, the tunes and anecdotes tumbled out from these two gentlemen, dressed for the occasion in smart trousers and grey waistcoat (Martin), and (Nick) in black and red striped blazer, equally stylish trousers .....marvellous, lively up and at 'em rags and stride..bit frustrated I wanted to dance'.

A reminiscence to hold and take Litton forward from the middle of this current decade is a review of his playing with the Buck Clayton Legacy Band [28] when.....'both sets were punctuated by his extraordinarily virtuosic solo piano spot.

From his early years at home in Bovingdon, followed by formal piano studies in Colchester, Litton entered the London jazz scene with Steve Lane, before joining Harry Gold's Pieces of Eight band followed by becoming a member in 1983 of Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

During the 1990s Litton continued expanding his work with leading British musicians including recordings with Humphrey Lyttelton, Wally Fawkes and Digby Fairweather.