Folk Bands and Artists
Kevin Figes
Bristol
Kevin Figes is a distinctive voice both as a player (Saxophones and flute) and composer on the UK jazz scene. Never standing still, his ethos is to strive to produce new music which is challenging, well-crafted and from the soul.
Kevin began studying saxophone with Elton Dean and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying with Tim Garland. He composes for his own quartet which has released three CDs: “Circular Motion” (Edition), “Hometime” and “Tables and Chairs” (Pig) which all received much critical acclaim. The Quartet tours the UK regularly, with help from Jazz Services, and has been broadcast several times on Radio 3. He also wrote for the 15 piece big band ‘Resonation’ which features some of the finest musicians from the west and beyond, a live recording to be released in 2016 on Figes’ Pig Records. He has a notable connection with Keith Tippett, performing in his big band “Tapestry” in Portugal and Canada and in his Octet including broadcasts on Radio 3 and a CD release on Ogun. Kevin has also performed with Dave Stapleton and recorded an album for his label (Edition). In 2011 he formed the band “4 Sided Triangle” which included guitarist Mike Outram , and their first CD was realeased on Pig records in July 2012 to excellent reviews and widespread radio play. In 2013 the Quartet undertook a very successful 17 date jazz services tour of the UK to support the release of “Tables and Chairs”. Two new recordings, “Weather Warning” by the Quartet and “Time Being” by the Octet, will be released on 10th April 2016 together with the launch of Pig records’ website.
“Compelling Bristol-based altoist Figes mixes up old school bop with a contemporary attack and edgy harmony” Time Out
