Theon Cross - “LDN’s Burning”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 5 

Pairs Well With… Alfa Mist, Makaya McCraven, Moses Boyd

It’s not often you hear it, but you have to hear this tuba player. The dynamic energy Theon Cross pulls from the instrument is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. He pushes the instrument to its extremes with an intensity that gives his songs a deep heartbeat of white-hot brass heat and pulls back to immerse you in grooves that captivate and inspire. In the crowded field of London’s burgeoning Jazz scene, it’s something truly singular. He plays with great musicians that match his creativity like drummer Moses Boyd and saxophonist Nubya Garcia on his captivating debut LP Fyah. From the frantic opening track Activate that kicks the album off to the jazzy hip hop tinged closer LDN’s Burning the energy rarely dips below boiling. When it does, like on the relatively laid back Letting Go or CIYA, Cross slips into grooves that grab you from the first to final note. There’s so much to dive into across the albums eight tracks, it was easily one of the most exciting albums of 2019. (Nate Headden)