- Ticket price:
- From: £20
- Running time:
- 2hrs 30 mins (incl interval)
Ankora ft. Breen & Boizi is primarily a collaboration between friends: the joining together of musical ideas formed at the celebrated artist development organisation ‘Tomorrow’s Warriors’ and developed through immersion in the creativity and pace of today’s vibrant London jazz scene.
Hannah Clifton: Trumpet; Klara Devlin: Trumpet; Tami Adebanjo: Guitar; Aleks Dimitrova: Bass; Miranda Radford: Drums; Kezia Abuoma: Piano; Christ-Stéphane Boizi: Trombone; Lauren Breen: Sax
The name ‘Ankora’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘anchor’ (anchora): a symbol of groundedness, hope and a connection to roots. These connotations are expressed through their repertoire of both originals and covers of powerful jazz tunes. The name links to an alternative meaning in Italian, ‘again’, marking the momentum of their rebirth as they continue their musical and artistic journey following mentorship within Tomorrow’s Warriors. The band’s influences include the legacies of Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter, while branching out to the more contemporary mastery of Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Kirkland. The ensemble takes inspiration from the spark and power of these jazz legends, compositionally and in their playing.
Tonight, Ankora join forces with Breen and Boizi: two composers and improvisers in their own right, and together a dynamic duo who have recently joined forces to lead a new and up-coming band. Their years of sharing the stage, as well as their lasting friendship, shine in their frontline playing. Breen’s powerful and bright alto sax tone blends beautifully with Boizi’s warm, soulful trombone; an exciting addition to the double trumpet Ankora frontline. Ankora’s rhythm section of pianist Abuoma, bassist Dimitrova and drummer Radford will already be familiar to SoundCellar patrons, courtesy of their trio gig as Sula in May this year, so this larger group of extraordinary
With pre-show Q&A at 7.45pm
Photography credit: Jamie Broadis