Ankora

mjf @ First Street (Main Stage)

Keira Chakraborty flute / Mali Sheard alto saxophone / Hannah Clifton, Klara Devlin trumpets / Tami Adebanjo guitar / Kezia Abuoma piano / Holly Reinhardt bass / Miranda Radford drums

Ankora (‘anchor’) is a fast-rising octet of ambitious young musicians breaking through the dynamic London jazz scene. Meeting at the Tomorrow’s Warriors stable, they performed as the TW Frontline under the tutelage of drummer Romarna Campbell, having now forged a new identity all their own.

Their name symbolises groundedness, hope and a connection to roots – qualities expressed through their repertoire of originals and interpretations of powerful jazz tunes. The name also links to the alternative meaning of ‘again’ in Italian, marking the momentum of their rebirth, as the band continues their own musical and artistic journey.

The spark and power of Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter inspire the band’s sound, as well as that of contemporary masters Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Kirkland.

Individual members of Ankora have already chalked up performances at Love Supreme, We Out Here, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Dizzy’s Jazz Club (NYC), Ready for more, this empowering and powerful ensemble is excited to embrace the wonder and diversity of today’s jazz scene on their Manchester debut.