London-based tuba player Theon Cross can certainly be called an innovator. With his masterful playing, innovative studio techniques, and originality, he pushes the boundaries until he reaches the full potential of his instrument. Cross operates somewhere at the intersection of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. In his music, you can hear inspiration from the powerful UK bass, dub, and grime scenes, as well as his deep connection to his Afro-Caribbean roots and the dance music of his ancestors. Cross first showcased his drive for innovation in the groundbreaking British jazz collective Sons of Kemet, alongside saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. He has collaborated with today’s greatest talents, including Ravi Coltrane, Makaya McCraven, Nubya Garcia, and Moses Boyd. Last year saw the release of Affirmations, a live recording of a dynamic concert at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York. During that performance, Cross played alongside saxophonist Isaiah Collier.
