Jazz re:freshed presents: Theon Cross + Summer Pearl

The label at the forefront of the UK’s jazz scene, Jazz re:freshed, brings you another epic double bill featuring Theon Cross and Summer Pearl, alongside a line-up of their best DJs. Originally founded to spotlight the talent of underrepresented young artists, Jazz re:freshed has since scouted and nurtured the biggest names in UK jazz including Shabaka Hutchings, Yussef Dayes, Nubya Garcia and GoGo Penguin. Headlining this electifying Melbourne International Jazz Festival double bill is award-winning tuba player and composer Theon Cross, a pioneering artist who has transformed perceptions of his instrument through a bold fusion of jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, hip-hop, dub and soundsystem culture. Described by Pitchfork as “a key figure in London’s vital jazz scene” and by The New York Times as “a prodigious young talent,” Cross first gained international acclaim as a member of Shabaka Hutchings’ band Sons of Kemet. Since then, he has released chart-topping albums and collaborated with artists including Jon Batiste, Emeli Sandé and Makaya McCraven. Opening the evening is UK singer-songwriter Summer Pearl, whose distinctive blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, dub and reggae creates an unmistakably London sound. Praised by Clash for combining vintage jazz influences with “a very London-centric neo-soul vision,” she pairs rich live instrumentation with soulful vocals and incisive songwriting that explores identity, heritage, love and liberation. With sold-out shows across Europe and appearances at Montreux Jazz Festival and EFG London Jazz Festival, Summer Pearl is fast emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists. Jazz re:freshed DJs will keep the fire burning behind the decks throughout the night, rounding out an unmissable evening of forward-thinking jazz.