Last month CLASH revived our Live Sessions with Metropolis by welcoming Theon Cross to the iconic studio for an intimate set. CLASH x Metropolis Live is a series of invite-only shows hosted at Metropolis Studios spotlighting the best of emerging and established talent excelling in live musicianship. Our partnership began in 2016 with the likes of Samm Henshaw, Masego and Roses Gabor gracing the stage, and now, we're back to celebrate the live music scene returning with vigour once again.
A core member of the Mercury-nominated quartet Sons of Kemet, Theon Cross showcased his virtuosic range playing select tracks from his solo discography, most notably his critically-acclaimed sophomore album 'Intra-I'. The London native has worked assiduously to produce songs with cross-genre influence and hybridity; he utilises his expertise as a tuba player – an instrument rarely seen out of classical composition – to create a dynamic fusion of post-bop jazz and club-aligned sounds. Cross consistently raises the bar of what the modern expression of jazz can constitute, exposing younger audiences to the possibilities provided by an instrument that once seemed incongruous with contemporary music.
A transgressive force merging the traditions of jazz with forward-projecting innovation, his latest album 'Intra-I' explores the spiritual journey away from the physical self, paying homage to the his antecedents, seeking to communicate a generational journey of self-love and acceptance. Exploring themes of renewal and rebirth in his work, it felt apt that Theon Cross deliver the first Metropolis Live session of 2022.
Influenced by soul, reggae and classical jazz, Cross distilled his journey through a kinetic performance for an eager audience. For those unable to attend, we bring you a performance of Theon's track 'We Go Again' in all its raw visceral glory, in addition to a pre-show interview conducted by CLASH editor Robin Murray with the star himself.
Tune in now…
– – –
Performance of 'We Go Again':
– – –
In Conversation with Theon Cross:
– – –
Words: Ruby Carter
– – –
