Album: Kevin Figes Quartet, Circular Motion (Edition)

Alto-saxophonist Figes – who studied with Elton Dean and Keith Tippett – has an inclination to hard, rhythmical swing, and a contrasting gift for composing memorable, sensitive tunes.

It's this combination of rich writing with an outstanding band that gives Figes's solo LP such distinction. Pianist Jim Blomfield, a star of jazz in Bristol and the West for a decade or so, shows an astonishing range, from the mad chromaticism of "Clutter" to the gospel romance of "Song for Sometime", while bassist Riaan Vosloo and drummer Tim Giles offer the subtlest of support.

Pick of the Album: 'Song for Sometime': as beautiful a ballad as you'll hear.