Modern Jazz
Interested in finding out more about a band? Simply email or call and we can either talk in person or I can send you a full-facts info sheet.
Kevin Figes - Saxes, flutes & compositions
Jim Blomfield - Piano
Riaan Vosloo - Bass
Mark Whitlam - Drums
The Bristol based Kevin Figes' Quartet play distinctive compositions and have performed all over the UK for many years to enthusiastic audiences. Each artist has an equally impressive biog performing on International stages with a myriad of talent. Four recordings have been released to widespread critical acclaim and airplay with a new release scheduled for early summer 2020. This quartet possesses a striking level of empathy and interplay that comes from a combination of highly accomplished players, all great improvisers in their own right, who have worked closely together for some time.
Kevin's impressive compositions are constantly developing to produce work which is challenging and contemporary. Influences (in no order) include David Binney, Paul Hindemith, Dave Holland, Henry Cow, Chris Potter, Hermeto Pascoal, John Escreet, Soft Machine and much '70s prog rock. The aim is to produce personal music in a fearless and evolving way. Their new forthcoming album ''Changing Times'' will be available shortly on Pig Records and demonstrates Kevin's ability and growth as an accomplished composer in his own right. The music has a self conscious avoidance of a groove enabling odd flavours to emerge. The piece All That I Want (Is Somewhere To Lie Down) feels like a bossa nova.
''This is the sound of a true original at work, with a sensibility that’s at once very personal, very international in its inspiration, but somehow identifiably English in its character. Utterly intriguing.'' - SussexJazzMag.com - May 2020
''....Their live performance is a fascinating sequence of surprises, with each player getting a turn in the spotlight elements of Zimbabwean m’biras and spells of impassioned piano that simultaneously echo Oscar Peterson and Bela Bartok. - some excerpts taken from Tony Benjamin's review of a live performance]
See full review here;
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/review-kevin-figes-quartet-jazz-at-the-fringe/
Theo May - Violins
Gustavo Clayton-Marucci - Clarinets
Lukasz Niemancewicz - Piano
Ali Watson - Bass
Alex Temple-Heald - Drums
Is this jazz, is it folk? Is it a progressive melding of the two? This extraordinary band is led by Wiltshire born Theo May. This young adult and his counterparts are already exploring the boundaries of modern music and whilst this isn't in any shape or form a band that conventionally fits a venue or genre or event I am very proud to be able to work with them. For those promoters and festivals that like challenging their audience whilst also providing something with tempo and ingenuity Theo's band is for you. Having played gigs already at The Vortex, London and The Bulls Head this quintet are well on their journey of cutting their teeth at some of the most legendary jazz venues in the smoke.
The dynamic level of organic interplay evident in realising Jim's original and intricate contemporary compositions is testament to an experienced trio who know each other’s playing intimately - a quality that is also compelling and captivating both on record and for audiences during their live performances. The music, at times delicate and atmospheric, at others intricate and intense, will engage the listener in a fascinating musical journey with evocative melodies, driving rhythms, rich harmonies, adventurous solo and group improvisations and tight, complex ensemble writing.
Patsy Gamble Band
Patsy Gamble - Saxophones & Vox
John Broomhall - Keyboards
Mark Butler - Bass
Roy Adams - Drums
An accessible jazzy and bluesy trio perfect for parties, receptions, cocktail bars and festivals. Dancey and listenable in equal measure. Patsy has an impressive CV playing and recording all over Europe with many different artists including Ruby Turner, Eddie Martin, Muddy Manninen (Wishbone Ash), John Mayall, The Gypsy Kings, Gloria Gaynor and Sister Sledge to name a few.
Acoustic Jazz and Pop - Lewis & Dav are part of the new wave of instrumental acoustic jazz that is taking the world by storm. With influences from Django Reinhardt to Snarky Puppy and Led Zeppelin to Dirty Loops, their sound combines tight, funky and experimental jazz chops with ludicrously catchy hooks. Perfect for festivals, parties and venues their youthful energy and playful attitude wins them many favours. A brilliant live and entertaining act. 'Vibrant and Dynamic Pair...' - BBC Radio Scotland
If you haven't heard of JP Gard then he is one to book. A Hammond legend already, there is nothing he can't play, with influences deririving from Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Joey DeFrancesco as well as Oscar Peterson,Harry Stoneham, Jerry Allen, George Flurey, Tony Peglar and Alan Haven.
He started playing organ at age 10 and received scholarships both in the UK and the USA where he honed his skills, returning to Bristol to become one of the most sought after Hammond players on the UK circuit.
His trio performs blues, funk and jazz classics which segue in and out of harmony and swing patterns. Perfect for cocktail hour or for that late-night jazz club vibe with whisky chasers ;-)
John-Paul has many recordings under his belt both with his own projects and those of others and has recently received a new endorsement by The KEYB Organ Group, and Ketron products.
Al Swainger – Bass, Ableton & FX
Jon Clark – Drums & Ableton
George Cooper – Keys
Ant Law – Guitar
Gary Alesbrook - Trumpet
Rich and eclectic atmospheres to help you daydream and stimulate your emotions. Pointless Beauty is the ongoing passion project of bassist, digital artist, composer and producer Al Swainger. Growing up Al learned to play a variety of instruments (bass, piano, french horn, guitar), program computer sequencers and developed a very wide taste in listening. As inspired by Weather Report as Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd or Chick Corea it’s no surprise that Al Swainger’s authentic voice comes from some very eclectic places when it comes to expressing himself as performer and composer. Combining the excitement of an instrumental quintet with computer based live sound manipulation, the new lineup for 2020 features some of the UKs most exciting musicians. Long standing collaborators George Cooper (Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra, Jazz Defenders) and Jon Clark (Biophosmos, Camo Clave, Paper Dragon) join relatively new associations Ant Law (Tim Garland, Evelyn Glennie, Jason Rebello) and Gary Alesbrook (Kasabian, Super Furry Animals, Duval Project) to complete the group. A new album is currently in development and due for recording in early 2021. Live sets will feature tracks from both this and the previous quintet album ‘After & Before’.