A JAZZ musician who grew up in Oxford has told of his love for the city music scene after scooping a prestigious award.

Adam Waldmann and his band Kairos 4tet were named best jazz act at the MOBO Awards in Glasgow last week.

The 29-year-old saxophonist came to North Oxford with his parents when he was 13 and went to the Cherwell School until he completed his A levels.

Now living in London, Mr Waldmann was at the awards ceremony – which celebrates music of black origin – rubbing shoulders with other award-winners like Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Tinchy Stryder.

Mr Waldmann first became interested in jazz after hearing Sting album Bring on the Night when he was just 10.

He was drawn to the ex-Police frontman’s use of jazz musicians and immediately wanted to pick up the saxophone. He now plays either tenor or soprano sax.

He said: “I’ve got two brothers who are musicians and I wanted to be involved with what they were doing.”

Mr Waldmann fondly remembers his upbringing in Oxford fondly, particularly for the city’s music scene.

He said: “There is a pretty healthy music scene in Oxford. I remember there was a great jazz night at the Westgate pub I went to.

“It was a great place to be as someone who was interested in music.

“I still come and play in Oxford every so often. My parents still live there, so I go back occasionally.”

Kairos 4tet, whose name comes from an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment, have already released two albums which have been well received by critics.

The music on their albums is written by Mr Waldmann, who has only been writing for about five years.

He said: “It is quite a cathartic experience for me. It does not come particularly easily.

“I’m just trying to find the sound I want. Hopefully I’ve found something which is personal and honest.

“There are definitely classical jazz influences in our sound. There are a lot of high energy tracks and more reflective ballads as well.”

The band is made up of Mr Waldmann on saxophone, Jasper Hoiby on bass, Jon Scott on drums and Ivo Neame on piano.

Kairos 4tet hope to produce another album next year.