Video of the Day: Kevin Figes shares ‘The Time Has Come’ from new album Wallpaper Music II
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
The Bristol-based saxophonist/composer returns with his talented band and a new set of progressive-jazz originals with a trio of tour dates to support the release
Saxophonist, 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 single, ‘Seven For Lee’/’Green and Orange Night Park’, that is part of My Only Desire Records’ ongoing Brit Jazz 45s series.
Commenting on the new album Figes said: “There are a range of influences in the writing, including jazz, folk, rock and contemporary classical, interspersed with improvisation. 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,” he explains. “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.”
Released on CD, digital and vinyl Friday 23 February via Pig Records in collaboration with ECN Music & Music Connection, watch the video for ‘The Time Has Come’ below and catch the band live on the following dates St Georges, Bristol (album launch, 25 February), The Bell, Bath (25 March) and Zeffirelli’s, Ambleside (4 May).
For more info visit pigrecords.co.uk
