“A mind-expanding feast for the ears…”
— The Observer
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator Kevin Figes will release his new album, Wallpaper Music II on 23 February. The recording features Brigitte Beraha on vocals, Jim Blomfield on keyboards, Ashley John Long on bass and Mark Whitlam on percussion and follows Figes’ critically acclaimed quartet album Wallpaper Music (2021) and the recently released limited edition 7” vinyl Seven For Lee/Green and Orange Night Park.
“There are a range of influences in the writing, including jazz, folk, rock and contemporary classical, interspersed with improvisation,” says Figes. “Specific influences include Art Bears, Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, and Italian contemporary composers such as Bruno Maderna.”
“The lyrics are an essential component, working with the music to set scenes and evoke particular feelings. I hear the voice as an integral part of my music and enjoy expressing myself through the text,” explains Figes. “Other ideas involve using more sounds (saxes, flutes, keyboard sounds, spoken word) and inventing my own scales, harmonies and rhythmic structures. Each band member has also placed part of their personality into the album.”
25 February – Bristol, St Georges (album launch)
25 March – Bath, The Bell
4 May – Ambleside, Zeffirelli’s
Notes:
Released on Pig Records in collaboration with ECN Music & Music Connection
Kevin Figes: pigrecords.co.uk
Kevin Figes began studying saxophone with Elton Dean (Soft Machine) and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying with Tim Garland. He has a notable connection with Keith Tippett, performing in his big band ‘Tapestry’ as well as his Octet. Other projects include 4 Sided Triangle (with Mike Outram), an Octet and the 15 piece big band ‘Resonation’. As a sideman, Figes has appeared 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. Figes is currently jazz saxophone teacher at Bristol University.
