Aspirations

Released in 2015, Aspirations is the debut EP from London-based tubist Theon Cross, a pivotal figure in the city's jazz renaissance. Recorded with a lean trio featuring saxophonist Nubya Garcia and drummer Moses Boyd, the album serves as a manifesto for the tuba's role in modern music. Cross effectively replaces the traditional double bass with his instrument, using it to provide both the harmonic foundation and the melodic lead. The recording captures a raw, live energy, emphasizing the acoustic properties of the instruments while nodding to the rhythmic sensibilities of dub, grime, and soca. Critically, it was hailed as a breakthrough for its ability to make a historically 'clunky' instrument feel nimble and aggressive. It remains a core text for understanding the 'London Sound' of the mid-2010s, showcasing the early chemistry between three of the scene's eventual stars.