Tickets HERE

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 Warrilow, a 21-year-old drummer and alumni from Leeds Conservatoire, has already made a name for himself in the jazz world. He has studied under a distinguished group of mentors, including Dave Hamblett, Sebastiaan de Krom, and Dave Walsh at Leeds Conservatoire. Previously, he honed his skills at Chethams School of Music in Manchester, where he was mentored by Steve Berry, Les Chisnall, and Iain Dixon. Tom also gained invaluable experience working with the likes of Soweto Kinch and Mark Hodgson at the National Youth Jazz Collective.

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.

This performance is part of Tomorrow’s Warriors’ Warriors Rise initiative, which sees the acclaimed jazz talent development organisation support three emerging Warriors’ artists, including Maddy, across a seven-date run of UK gigs, providing tour planning and marketing mentoring. Warriors Rise is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner initiative supported by PPL.

More about Tomorrow’s Warriors
For over 30 years, Tomorrow’s Warriors has played a vital role within its community and the wider music industry and has been credited with literally changing the face of UK jazz.  Free access to Tomorrow’s Warriors artistic programme has proved crucial in nurturing the nascent talent and early careers of so many of the most exciting UK artists currently tearing up the international jazz scene including Mercury Prize 2023 recipients and BRIT Awards Best Group 2025
winners EZRA Collective, Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, ESKA, Jason Yarde, Denys Baptiste, Robert Mitchell, Soweto Kinch, Shirley Tetteh, Byron Wallen...the list goes on.  

A Black-founded and Black-led organisation, Tomorrow’s Warriors offers a pioneering, free to access, comprehensive programme of learning and training which champions and supports young Black and female talent and those who come from challenging circumstances that would be a barrier to access opportunities to pursue a music career.

“Tomorrow's Warriors occupies a unique and vital space in our cultural landscape. Their work in helping positively shape future generations is of critical importance especially with the tribulations we currently face. Please keep supporting - each one, teach one!” - Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music/Brownswood Recordings)