“A mind-expanding feast for the ears…”
– Dave Gelly, The Observer.”
Kevin Figes began studying saxophone with Elton Dean and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying with Tim Garland. He had a notable association performing and recording with Keith Tippett.
Since 2007 Figes has composed and produced many well-received recordings with his own jazz quartet.Recent work includes ‘Changing Times’ (2020) by the Kevin Figes Quartet, which received a 4* review from Dave Gelly in The Guardian, and ‘Wallpaper Music’ (2021) (with the addition of Brigitte Beraha on vocals) which was described as ‘A kaleidoscopic blizzard’ by John Fordham in his 4* review for Jazzwise.
Other projects included 4 Sided Triangle (with Mike Outram), an Octet and the 15 piece big band ‘Resonation’. Figes has played at Ronnie Scott’s with Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley, Bobby Shew and Denny Ilett’s Electric Lady Big Band, of which he is a member. He has also performed on the Park stage at Glastonbury with the music of Barry Gray and major festivals with This Is The Kit.His own quartet have performed nationally and broadcast live from Glastonbury Festival on Radio 3.
Forthcoming work includes compositions for piano, use of experimental methods and found sounds, writing of lyrics in song form and exploring a range of genres including contemporary classical, jazz, free improvisation, folk and rock.
“This is the sound of a true original at work.”
– Eddie Myers Sussex Jazz
