On Friday 15th October the Tomorrow’s Warriors Soon Come Ensemble took to the stage at The Jazz Café in Camden to present #IAMWARRIOR as part of our thirtieth anniversary celebrations.
Returning to our spiritual home at this venue that has played such a crucial role in our history is always a special occasion and, after a tremendously difficult year for all musicians and performers, it carried extra special significance.
With a crew of tremendous young Warriors leading the musical charge, under the guidance of musical director, Binker Golding, the ensemble performed brand new pieces commissioned by Tomorrow’s Warriors from our award-winning alumni Rosie Turton (trombone), Nathaniel Facey (alto sax) and Sheila Maurice-Grey (flugelhorn), all of whom joined the band on stage to premiere their works.
Further compositions came from pianist, Ben Burrell and the show concluded with the anthemic and uplifting Warriors Rise written by saxophonist Denys Baptiste.
Big thanks to PRS Foundation for supporting these commissions, and to the amazing crowd that came out in force to support us on the night, all of you who bought our lovely merch (check it out!), or signed up to become a regular donor, and to everyone who has supported us in our journey so far. We hope you agree with BBC London broadcaster, Robert Elms who came to the show and declared the next day that “All I can tell you is the future of jazz in London is in very good hands indeed”.
Full Warriors line-up:
David Laleye-Thomas (tenor sax), Emily Roberts (guitar), Amy Gadiaga (electric bass/upright bass), Jacob Gryn (upright bass), Cara Crosby-Irons (vocals), Loucin Moskofian (vocals), Matthew Cooper (trombone), Joseph Oti (trumpet/flugelhorn), Cassius Cobbson (drums), Allexa Nava (soprano sax/flute), Jonah Grimbly (keys)