KEVIN FIGES - Take Five No: 75
Can you tell us about your new album?
The new album, 'Changing Times' , features Jim Blomfield (Fender Rhodes, Prophet and Piano) , Thad Kelly (electric bass) , Mark Whitlam (Drums) and Emily Wright sang on two tunes. I did saxes, flute and some voice too! It is an album full of influences, which include Soft Machine, Hindemith, Hermeto Pascoal and horror films to name but four. It's the first time I've used only electric bass and there are more keyboard sounds, including a sequencer. Some stuff is completely written and through composed , and some sections are freely improvised. There are still lots of melodies. We recorded it at Rockfield studios in Wales over three days which was great fun.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
I am constantly writing stuff, sometimes not knowing which project it belongs to, so there may be some one-offs and different line-ups in the future. But as far as working bands go, one of the funnest (if that's a word) is 'Electric Lady Big Band' run by Denny Ilett. Great bunch of people and a great sound. My other big interest at the moment is making films, so thats in the offing too.
The new album, 'Changing Times' , features Jim Blomfield (Fender Rhodes, Prophet and Piano) , Thad Kelly (electric bass) , Mark Whitlam (Drums) and Emily Wright sang on two tunes. I did saxes, flute and some voice too! It is an album full of influences, which include Soft Machine, Hindemith, Hermeto Pascoal and horror films to name but four. It's the first time I've used only electric bass and there are more keyboard sounds, including a sequencer. Some stuff is completely written and through composed , and some sections are freely improvised. There are still lots of melodies. We recorded it at Rockfield studios in Wales over three days which was great fun.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
I am constantly writing stuff, sometimes not knowing which project it belongs to, so there may be some one-offs and different line-ups in the future. But as far as working bands go, one of the funnest (if that's a word) is 'Electric Lady Big Band' run by Denny Ilett. Great bunch of people and a great sound. My other big interest at the moment is making films, so thats in the offing too.
Click on the album cover to read our review
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
I am currently listening to a lot of contemporary classical music (Berio, Nono, Cage etc) and finding it very inspiration (all on vinyl, by the way). Plus Henry Cow. What is your all time favourite album and why? This changes weekly (or sometimes daily!). Today it's “Sinfonia/Visage” by Luciano Berio.
What is your all time favourite album and why?
This changes weekly (or sometimes daily!). Today it's “Sinfonia/Visage” by Luciano Berio.
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
Enjoyed listening to Laura Jurd's Dinosaur. And Fred Frith, he always seems to be up to something interesting.
I am currently listening to a lot of contemporary classical music (Berio, Nono, Cage etc) and finding it very inspiration (all on vinyl, by the way). Plus Henry Cow. What is your all time favourite album and why? This changes weekly (or sometimes daily!). Today it's “Sinfonia/Visage” by Luciano Berio.
What is your all time favourite album and why?
This changes weekly (or sometimes daily!). Today it's “Sinfonia/Visage” by Luciano Berio.
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
Enjoyed listening to Laura Jurd's Dinosaur. And Fred Frith, he always seems to be up to something interesting.
