Biography of Kevin Figes

Kevin Figes Quartet


The Quartet perform Kevin's original pieces and released their first CD on Edition Records in 2008 to fine critical acclaim. The band has played many venues up and down the country and broadcast live on radio 3 from Glastonbury festival. Kevin (saxes), Jim Blomfield (piano), Riaan Vosloo (bass) and Tim Giles (drums) have just produced a second album ('Hometime”) which they will be promoting this year. For the tour Andy Tween replaces Tim Giles on drums.

What the critics say:

“One of the most interesting emerging talents on the UK jazz scene” Jazzwise

“This is poised, distinctive music” Jazz UK

“Its this combination of rich writing with an outstanding band that gives Figes's solo LP such distinction” Independent on Sunday

“Figes is a gutsy but thoughtful saxophonist and a skilful composer.. Overall, a lively, absorbing and attractively varied set from a fine band that should given the evidence provided by this album, really deliver the goods live” Vortex jazz CD review


Kevin Figes.

Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and alongside the quartet has played with: Keith Tippett ( festivals in Canada and Portugal, Norwich festival and radio 3 broadcast and a new recording for 2011), latin outfit Sirius B ( Jazz Cafe London and Montreux jazz festival) and Dave Stapleton (Cheltenham and Coventry festivals and Pizza Express London) . Activities also range from playing flute with a bossa nova quartet to writing and arranging for 16 piece “Resonation” big band.


Jim Blomfield (piano)

"Jim Blomfield is a marvel" Independent on Sunday. "...seemingly limitless imagination ..." Venue magazine. Jim has been on the Bristol music scene since 1991 and has played piano/keyboard in many different projects. He lead two bands himself - contemporary jazz ensemble 'Septimbre' (playing original compositions) and 'Latin Perspective', a six piece latin jazz band. Jim studied composition and jazz performance at Dartington College of Arts. He has backed many different artists including Ed Jones, Damon Brown, Bobby Wellins, Pete King, and Andy Sheppard. Appearances have included London's Ronnie Scott's Club and Jazz Cafe, and Edinburgh, Swanage, Brecon and Glastonbury festivals. Also composes for the contemporary big band 'Resonation'





Riaan Vosloo (bass)

As well as occupying the Bass chair in the Nostalgia 77 Octet, Riaan Vosloo has worked with among others Keith Tippett, Matthew Bourne, Art Theman, Andy Shepherd, Spring Heel Jack, Liam Noble, Pee Wee Ellis and Iain Ballamy. Riaan was a founder member of the The Electric Dr M (with Matthew Bourne) and plays in the Gary Boyle quartet with Mercury nominee Zoe Rahman.


Andy Tween (drums)

A drummer in great demand across the UK , Andy has performed regularly with James brown sideman Pee Wee Ellis and has recorded and toured extensively with folk star Seth Lakeman. He has also written educational material for drummers.