Kevin Figes Quartet - Wednesday 10 January 2007
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From the opening note to the final cadenza, the Kevin Figes Quartet had the audience hypnotized with its display of rhythmic and melodic improvisation.

Rarely have I seen such concentration on the faces of an audience: you could hear a pin drop. Any band that has that kind of hold on an audience deserves wider recognition, and the Kevin Figes Quartet certainly fits that criteria. They played two sets, with songs ranging from jazz standards such as 'Alone Together' ( a personal favourite of mine) to a Wayne Shorter cover and originals including the beautiful 'Angel', dedicated to Kevin's daughter. Kevin led from the front with a very lyrical, melodic approach, a clean, crisp tone and a lot of attention to detail. His playing was full of surprises, with leaps, falls and clever little patterns echoed throughout the range of his alto saxophone.

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The rhythm section, comprised of Jim Blomfield (electric piano), Scott Hammond (drums) and Dorian Sutton (double bass), more than held their own. Blomfield's blistering double-handed keyboard runs and big accented chords rhythmically displaced were an absolute joy.
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Hammond's drumming was superb throughout and he showed great control on his solos, displaying an array of rhythmic contrasts. Dorian Sutton on double bass worked well with Hammond - this is the boiler house of any rhythm section, and the commitment that Sutton put into his playing was well received by an appreciative audience. (click here for more photos).

If you missed the gig and would like to hear more from this quartet then checkout the Kevin Figes website for sound bites. If you would like to purchase the quartet's excellent album, these are available at £5 each plus p&p - click here to contact Kevin.


© Peter Scaddan 2007