Theon Cross

Theon Cross is one of those rare musicians whose vision has redefined their instrument.

His unique approach to the tuba has expanded the instrument’s sonic possibilities in revolutionary fashion, restoring it to a long-forgotten prominence as a crucial part of the contemporary jazz ensemble. Through his combination of technical mastery, studio smarts, deep musical knowledge and expansive vision, the power and originality of Theon’s playing has reinvented the tuba’s place in modern music.

Theon released his first EP Aspirations in 2015 followed by his first album FYAH in 2019 and the Intra-I in 2021. He was a key member of Sons of Kemet until their dissolution in 2022. He has featured on albums by The Smile, Little Simz, Steamdown, Makaya McCraven, Joy Crookes, Ill Considered to name a few and contributed his version of Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy to the Blue Note Re:Imagined series.

With special thanks to Jazz Coventry for supporting this show.