What is a warrior? That was the question that Mark Kavuma, Theo Erskine and Ruben Fox set out to consider when they met in the studio soon after lockdown.

Although holding many different interpretations, the starting point for this session was to explore the word ‘warrior’ in the context of the struggles and challenges faced by musicians during the pandemic.

The result is a euphonious set of six original tunes brought to life with support from the ever-versatile, BBC Young Musician of the Year Deschanel Gordon (piano), top of every ‘A’ list Conor Chaplin (double bass), and best-kept secret (as yet) Luca Caruso (drums).

Warriors evokes notions of chamber jazz whilst maintaining a sense of adventure, temperature, and intensity throughout – each track evolving from the contributors’ insight, observations, and interpretations of the significance of the album title.

The scene is set with Kavuma’s truly inspired opening suite ‘Warrior Part 1’ and ‘Part 2’. An unsettling, free-time intro gives way to Fox’s bass clarinet trailing a descending motif before Erskine cuts through, leading to a maelstrom of turbulent grooves, inspired solos, and shifting tempos.

‘Chomolungma’ (Tibetan for Mt. Everest) is Erskine’s response to the mood of the opening tracks. Its uncomplicated form and ‘elastic’ time, provides space for pensive riffs, unadorned motifs and a blisteringly intense solo from Caruso.

Tricksy folk hero Anansi is the inspiration for the fleet of foot ‘Anansi’s Waltz’, Gordon’s light touch on the piano providing delightful contrast to the simple horn lines that build through solos to a feverish ‘chase’ to the end.

Fox’s alluring ‘Zorro’ (Spanish for Fox) is a tribute to father Mat, a true ‘warrior’. Layered horns are set against delicate counterpoint from double bass and bass clarinet and grounded by Caruso’s brushes and subtle piano curls from Gordon.

A dramatic close to Warriors is delivered with ‘Senzo’. Kavuma leads a riotous tribute to our forefathers featuring dazzling drum grooves, driving horn lines and stylish solos rolling out an end to the saga with panache.