Kevin Figes: You Are Here

This is an intriguing album. It could have been titled "musicians in search of an identity." The album details Kevin Figes' history. His choice of pieces spells it out: Keith Tippett's work means so much to Figes. It is good to have a hero and to play his music; some of the long melodic lines and unisons are very effective. Tippett's "Echoes" is an example.

This group of musicians is given space, embedded in the writing and arrangements. There are other influences in addition to Tippett. "Cider Dance" has Bill Russo-like trombone rhythms as it punches out the percussive figures.

"Thoughts to Geoff" is a melange of sound that seems to have been learnt from the Brotherhood of Breath, while Dudu Pukwana's "MRA" is pure Brotherhood. The moment when the main idea coheres into an exultant full-throated roar is an achievement. A piece from Harry Miller adds to the South African influence.

"Cat Food" is an assertive riff that threatens to go somewhere with a touch of humour. The muscularity and flexibility of Riaan Vosloo is represented on "Dedicated to Mingus."

Figes allows space for improvisation intervals in addition to the space that he creates in the arrangements. There is much to admire. The misty-toned trumpet of Pete Judge is beautiful, as are the assertive solos of Jim Blomfield and Raphael Clarkson. The superb bass figures of Riaan Vosloo have the ability to swing the whole ensemble.

There are great moments here, which could be allowed to develop into crescendos that would lift an audience to their feet cheering. In UK jazz there is a Loose Tubes / Brotherhood of Breath-shaped hole waiting to be filled. Figes could do it.

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