Warriors RISE : Allexa Nava + Tom Warrilow

This autumn, Leeds' longest serving jazz promoter Lubi Jovanovic (DJ Lubi) teams up with London's acclaimed jazz talent development organisation Tomorrow's Warriors for a series of three concerts across three months and two venues, showcasing the next generation of UK jazz stars. Each concert features a Tomorrow's Warriors London artist alongside a local Leeds rising jazz talent as support. The concerts will be on Sunday 28th September at The Attic (Maddy Coombs Quartet + Sophie Speed Quintet), Sunday 19th October at Hyde Park Book Club (Allexa Nava + Tom Warrilow's Cinquillo), and Saturday 22nd November at The Attic (Donovan Haffner + Reece Fogg).

 

The RISE showcase series continues on Sunday 19th October at Hyde Park Book Club with Allexa Nava and her band from London, supported by Leeds musician Tom Warrilow Cinquillo. Here's the full info.

Hailing from Peru saxophonist, flautist, and composer Allexa Nava has been making waves on the UK jazz scene for the last few years, both as an artist in her own right (performing at Ronnie Scott’s and Jazz In The Round), as well as a member of the all-female Latin ensemble and festival favourites Colectiva (booked in 2022 in Leeds by DJ Lubi).

But it is her reputation as a bandleader and composer that is set to soar following the release of her highly anticipated debut EP "No Language" on the influential Jazz Re:freshed label.

There is no doubt that the release of "No Language" marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this emerging talent, whose fresh perspective and technical prowess is ready to  breathe new life into the contemporary jazz scene. And it is no surprise that Nava’s recordings have already received radio play both here in the UK and internationally, including Jazz FM and BBC Introducing London, Antena 3 in Portugal, WYEP Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and the title track was disque du jour on TSF Jazz in France.

A participant on the Tomorrow’s Warriors Emerging Artists Programme, there is no denying that Allexa has already gone on an incredible journey of exploration and growth as a musician. And jazz audiences can feel justifiably excited to see where this journey leads next!

“The Peruvian-born saxophonist and flautist has made a mark for herself on the contemporary UK jazz scene – and listening to her debut single, a track from her imminent EP, No Language, one can well understand why.” - Sounds and Colours

"With this first EP, Allexa Nava clearly represents what distinguishes Jazz in the UK and in London, namely audacity and assurance" - La Face B

"The new nugget of London jazz is from Peru! Young saxophonist Allexa Nava unveils his new EP, modern, beautifully produced, with a powerful alto sound and an often original approach. A dream!" - TSF Jazz, France

Tom is the leader and drummer of Cinquillo, a band comprising fellow Leeds Conservatoire students and alumni, including Charlie Folland on alto saxophone, Charlie Wilberforce on guitar, Joseph Frost-Tesfaye on keys, and Jade Smith on bass. The quintet's name, Cinquillo, is derived from a five-note rhythmic pattern rooted in Afro-Haitian influences that spread to Eastern Cuba after the Haitian Revolution of 1791. Their music explores the work of South African jazz legend Bheki Mseleku and saxophonist John Stubblefield, alongside Brazilian and Latin influences, as well as Tom's own original compositions.

Tom's musical influences are diverse, blending Latin American rhythms from artists like João Bosco and Mongo Santamaria, with the melodic writing of Kenny Wheeler and elements of contemporary jazz. His music is becoming increasingly known for its adventurous fusion of jazz and Latin grooves, solidifying him as an exciting emerging artist with a unique voice in the jazz scene.