Richard Spaven has been played on NTS over 20 times, featured on 20 episodes and was first played on 12 November 2014.

Spaven's sublime intuitive drumming and his personable nature quickly established him as a favourite amongst the Jazzre:freshed faithful. In many ways, Spaven sums up what jazzre:freshed is all about. By connecting the dots as he seamlessly traverses between genres, he weaves a thread of jazz throughout each one. He is as comfortable manning the kit behind classically trained piano virtuoso Robert Mitchell, as he was when touring the world with hall of fame hip-hop emcee (the late) GURU.

Spaven is equally at home when providing the percussive undertone to the futuristic sounds of maestro Mark de Clive Lowe and the prolific 4Hero. It is no surprise then that he is the backbone for jazz vocalist Jose James’ band as well as conducting the beats for The Cinematic Orchestra.

The essence of jazz is clearly heard throughout Spaven’s 5ive and by challenging traditional forms and using the many influences gathered on his musical journey so far, it’s an intriguing idea of what a jazz album can be.