Theon Cross (Sons Of Kemet) Shares “Wings” Single b/w Cover Of Aswad’s “Back To Africa”

When the beloved London Jazz Quartet, Sons Of Kemet, played what they announced would be their final show back in August, we expected that chapter closing would only mean the beginning of so much more for the individuals involved. The dissolution of the group was clearly done to allow the members to pursue other projects and opportunities, of which many are available. Saxophonist/bandleader, Shabaka Hutchings immediately headed back out on tour with his other highly successful project, The Comet Is Coming, and, previously, put a solo album out back in May. Drummer/co-founder, Tom Skinner garnered his own attention outside of the band this year, with the debut album for The Smile, a trio he formed alongside Radiohead‘s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. Next month, Skinner will also be releasing his first-ever solo album under his own name.  Although his name may not yet be as prominent to the casual fan as Hutchings or Skinner, anyone who has seen Sons Of Kemet in recent years will recognize Theon Cross as the man pulling focus with the tuba. Not only did he appear on the Smile LP, but Cross is an accomplished musician who has worked extensively with such jazz artists as Nubya Garcia and Moses Boyd, while stepping into the grime and hip-hop realms to collaborate with names like Little Simz, Stormzy, and Kano. Last year, Cross followed up his critically acclaimed debut, Fyah [2019], with the album Intra-I, which he promoted with a successful UK solo tour. Today, Theon continues his output with a brand new track, prior to heading back on tour next week.

Theon‘s latest single is titled “Wings.” The composer offers some backstory on the song by stating, “Conceptually, the song speaks of the metaphorical wings needed to take flight and embrace new changes and directions in life.” He further adds, “It captures a feeling of freedom and symbolizes a sense of progressive movement which feels significant as I move into a new chapter in my career.” The B-side for the single is a bassy cover of Aswad‘s “Back To Africa” from the British reggae outfit’s 1976 self-titled LP. A vinyl 7-inch featuring both songs will be available tomorrow via the Theon Cross Bandcamp. The good news is that the digital versions are available now and you can listen to them below.

We love seeing someone like Theon moving further into the limelight. Not only has he established himself as such a vital component when part of a unit, but he’s extending the very boundaries and concept of what his instrument is capable of.

Check the tour dates below and make sure to catch him if/when he comes through your area. Select stops will find him supporting collaborator, Makaya McCraven.

THEON CROSS TOUR DATES

Oct 13 London, UK – Church Of Sound (w/ Bex Burch & Leafcutter John)

Oct 20 Chicago,IL – Sleeping Village | Tickets

Oct 22 Brooklyn, NY – BRIC Jazzfest | Tickets

Oct 23 San Francisco, CA – The Independent | Tickets* 

Oct 25 Seattle, WA – Earshot Jazz Fest | Tickets*

Oct 26 Portland, OR – Jack London Revue | Tickets

Oct 29 Phoenix, AZ – MIM | Tickets*

Oct 30 Los Angeles, CA – The Lodge Room | Tickets – early show*

*notes dates supporting Makaya McCraven