If you're looking to the current London jazz scene for the type of quirkily colourful characters that graced yesteryear, you might find yourself struggling to come up with names. One that might spring to mind, though, is that of Zhenya Strigalev, a Russian saxophonist-composer who's been resident in London for well over a decade now. Alas, there are plans to return home to the land of Putin, so this new recording feels like a parting gift. It's his ‘live’ version of his Never Group quartet in action at Vienna's Porgy and Bess club and Paradox in Tilburg, Netherlands. Being able to assemble a mean team of world class cutting-edge musicians is nothing new for Strigalev, who has a formidable contacts list in New York. This is probably his most brilliant formation, with Mauritian-born ex-Zawinul Syndicate electric-bassist Linley Marthe, impressive Chilean guitarist Federico Dannemann, a former Royal Academy associate of Strigalev's, and the sublime Charles Lloyd drummer Eric Harland, who's appeared on all three of Strigalev's previous Whirlwind releases. It's a fiery, playful, plugged-in, effortlessly hip affair. On Strigalev's highly tuneful originals, the quartet meld the sparse, groove-centred elements of hip hop and dub with deep-rooted progressive bop and jazz-rock traditions. Thankfully, the set's raw energy sounds closer to that of a Headhunters-influenced ‘jam’ band than a slick jazz-fusion outfit. Strigalev calls on influences that extend from Art Pepper to Ornette Coleman and the electronic effects-laden ‘alto box’ (see below) demonstrates the leader's eccentricity, with ‘Wondering about Swing’ sounding like a trippin' Sidney Bechet tune.

Jazzwise spoke to Zhenya Strigalev about the album

What's the story behind the titleBlues for Maggie?

It's dedicated to Maggie Black, a well-known figure in London due to her love of jazz music and undying support for its musicians. I met her at the jam at Ronnie Scott's back in 2011, after she was apparently blown away by my version of ‘Body and Soul’. Since then, we've become close friends and she became my ‘Pannonica’ for her support, inspiration and patronage of my musical activities, including tours and albums (they would have been impossible without her). She's a true adventurer, with a love of life – an inspirational example of how to be mentally strong, generous, how to stay authentic regardless of the situation.

What's the inspiration behind the ‘alto box’?

[Bassist] Tim Lefebvre is the main reason I started experimenting with effects pedals. Tim uses them so tastefully, sparingly and creatively. He doesn't ‘hide’ behind electronics, his own natural sound is heavy! This inspired me to devise my own way of using electronics. After trying a few things, I came up with a device, which we called ‘alto box’. It's a white penguin-looking object (in fact a saxophone mute) by which I isolate the saxophone as well as microphone to make the effects cleaner, as well as cancelling the sound of the saxophone itself in order to hear only the effect.

How did you set about writing the compositions on the album?

Most of my compositions I wrote while practicing saxophone. So, most of them are based on melodies rather then harmony. The melody comes first. I write down some phrases and develop them. Sometimes it takes years to finish one tune, as you just can't figure out how to develop the original phrase. Also, I like it when musicians in a band feel free and not attached to heavy harmony or complex arrangements. But I don't want it to be totally free, as there is a danger of every tune starting to sound the same. I try to compose a clear melody with some atmosphere, rhythm and mood, which can inspire me and others to improvise. I want the improvisation to be a priority.

I've heard you're moving back to Russia. What's the reason?

I need some change in order to refresh my perceptions of things and I need to see my parents more. They are in St Petersburg. And I want to spend more time ‘in the forest’. So, I am planning to combine living in St Petersburg and being active on the European Jazz Scene. I'm starting a few new projects here in London, so I'll be back with concerts for sure.