Kevin Figes – Alto Sax / Flute
Kevin Figes began studying saxophone with Elton Dean and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying with Tim Garland. He had a notable association performing and recording with Keith Tippett. Since 2007, Figes has composed and produced many well-received recordings with his own jazz quartet. Recent work includes ‘Changing Times’ (2020) by the Kevin Figes Quartet, which received a 4* review from Dave Gelly in The Guardian, and ‘Wallpaper Music’ (2021) (with the addition of Brigitte Beraha on vocals), which was described as ‘A kaleidoscopic blizzard’ by John Fordham in his 4* review for Jazzwise. Other projects included 4 Sided Triangle (with Mike Outram), an Octet and the 15-piece big band ‘Resonation’. Figes has played at Ronnie Scott’s with Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley, Bobby Shew and Denny Ilett’s Electric Lady Big Band, of which he is a member. He has also performed on the Park stage at Glastonbury with the music of Barry Gray and at major festivals with This Is The Kit. His own quartet have performed nationally and broadcast live from Glastonbury Festival on Radio 3.Forthcoming work includes compositions for piano, the use of experimental methods and found sounds, writing of lyrics in song form and exploring a range of genres including contemporary classical, jazz, free improvisation, folk and rock. For many years, Kevin has taught saxophone, guiding students up to Grade 8 and beyond, and has tutored groups in schools across Bristol, including leading groups in the Bristol Jazz Workshops. Kevin currently teaches jazz saxophone at Bristol University.
Joe Bradford – Trombone
Joe Bradford is one of the leading Jazz Trombonists in the Southwest Jazz Scene. Inspired by greats such as JJ Johnson, Curtis Fuller, and Sonny Rollins, he has a warm and full tone, with a deep understanding of the bebop idiom and a highly creative approach to improvisation. After studying at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, Joe’s feet are firmly in the bebop/hard bop tradition, and he has a great command of this style. Here, he studied with greats such as Steve Davis, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, etc., giving him a great appreciation of the jazz tradition and lineage, all of which is reflected in his playing. Current projects include Tammy Payne Quintet, Terra Coda Orchestra, Soma Soma, as well as performing his own material with the Joe Bradford Quintet. Joe is a keen educator, having co-founded the Bristol Jazz Collective and many other teaching endeavours.
Jim Blomfield- Piano
Jim Blomfield is a Bristol-based pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and educator with a long-standing presence in the UK jazz and Latin music scenes. Known for his versatility and musical sensitivity, he has worked across jazz, Afro- Cuban, Latin, rock, funk and contemporary music, and has been involved in a wide range of projects emerging from Bristol’s diverse musical culture. Jim is an in-demand accompanist and collaborator, and has frequently been the pianist of choice for visiting jazz artists past and present, including Andy Sheppard, Barbara Thompson, Pete King and John Etheridge, to name just a few. He is also widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading Latin jazz and salsa pianists, bringing a strong rhythmic understanding and stylistic authenticity to Afro-Cuban and Latin music contexts. As a composer and arranger, Jim has released several albums of original music on ASC and Pig Records, blending jazz with Latin influences, rock, electronica and contemporary writing. His current main creative project is Saoco Collective, a Latin jazz ensemble co-led with Cuban-born trumpeter Michel Padron, featuring original compositions and arrangements alongside Afro-Cuban jazz repertoire. Recent performance highlights include a UK tour with Afro-Cuban international stars Asere and sold-out concerts with Buena Bristol Social Club, a project celebrating Cuban music while incorporating specially arranged material by iconic Bristol band Massive Attack. Alongside his performance career, Jim is an experienced educator. He teaches jazz piano at the University of Bristol and has worked extensively in workshops and residential courses, including many years with CL Jazz. In 2026, together with Michel Padron, he co-founded Afro-Cuban Jazz Workshops, a week-long residential course in Las Palmas, focused on Afro-Cuban jazz performance and study.
Riaan Vosloo – Double bass
Riaan has extensive experience in multiple musical roles in many varied musical projects. Riaan was a founding member of the band Nostalgia 77, a band he continues to work with. Riaan was also the co-founder of the label Impossible Ark Records. He has credits on a host of albums and commercial projects working as a bass player, arranger, composer and producer. Riaan graduated from Leeds College of Music (BA) and the Royal Academy of Music (MA). He completed his doctorate at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as continuing involvement in the music industry, Riaan is active in a wide range of teaching (including tutoring for Rapport Falmouth Jazz Summer School)and research activities, with a specialism in practice research. He is currently the course leader for the MA (Popular Music Practice) at BIMM Music Institute.