Theon Cross - Affirmations: Live At Blue Note New York (2LP Vinyl)

Tuba virtuoso Theon Cross brings his groundbreaking Affirmations project to life in this electrifying double album recorded at the legendary Blue Note in New York. Captured on 3 July 2023 and released in 2025, this live recording showcases Cross at the peak of his powers, leading a formidable quartet through music that redefines what's possible with the tuba in contemporary jazz.

Cross has long been celebrated for his work with Sons of Kemet and as a key figure in London's jazz renaissance, but Affirmations represents something more personal and spiritually resonant. The addition of Chicago saxophonist and percussionist Isaiah Collier brings a powerful energy to the proceedings, his tenor playing in dynamic conversation with Cross' bass-heavy tuba lines. Guitarist and bassist Nikos Ziarkas provides harmonic foundation and texture, while drummer James Russell Sims anchors the group with propulsive rhythms.

What makes this live album essential is the way it captures the spontaneity and intensity of performance. These aren't polished studio takes but rather raw, in-the-moment explorations where the quartet responds to the room's energy and to each other. The Blue Note's intimate setting and storied history add weight to every note, making this document feel like a significant moment in Cross' career and in the ongoing evolution of jazz.

For fans familiar with Cross' studio work, this album offers a chance to hear how these compositions breathe and expand in a live context. For newcomers, it's a thrilling introduction to one of contemporary jazz's most innovative voices.