Tomorrow’s Warriors returned to France this month for the second year of their powerful collaboration with Jazz à Tours, and fellow European Jazz Network members Le Petit Faucheux, and Festival Emergences — once again bringing a bold focus on female representation in jazz. The three-day residency from 3–5 November brought together 15 musicians from the UK and France, culminating in a series of transformative workshops, electrifying performances, and a renewed commitment to increase diversity in jazz education.
An all-female UK ensemble, led by saxophonist and music leader Maddy Coombs, created an environment for the project that was described as “open, friendly, and non-judgemental.” The workshops achieved an impressive 84% female representation, a significant milestone for the local jazz scene in Tours. And, whilst it was a jazz focussed event, some of the participants came from non-jazz backgrounds, however as their confidence grew, the experience reshaped their perception of genre.
“Some of the students expressed how they thought jazz wasn’t for them, but then said they felt differently after the sessions,” said Coombs. “As a music leader the experience was incredible. I feel like I’ve learnt so much from everyone.”
And Jazz à Tours Music Leader Jasmine Lee confirmed the journey that the local musicians went on; “It was so exciting how the French students, most of whom have not been studying jazz, developed. Before the workshop, they were pretty anxious about the idea of improvising in a group. But as the workshops progressed, they felt comfortable enough to start improvising and really went for it!”
Alongside the workshops, the collaboration featured three standout performances at Le Petit Faucheux as part of Festival Emergences:
- A 30-minute showcase performance featuring all 13 workshop participants.
- A set by a specially curated Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline featuring an all-female line-up of Warriors Emerging Artists showcasing their original compositions.
- A headline performance by the Maddy Coombs Quartet, blending dynamic improvisation with fresh, original music.
And the festival audience certainly felt the full musical creativity of these young women who are set to shape the jazz sound of tomorrow, calling back both bands for encores!
The collaboration has developed into a significant cultural exchange with the all the participants highlighting the value of connecting with musicians from different backgrounds drawing inspiration from each other’s unique musical voices.
“It was a truly valuable opportunity to interact with musicians from diverse backgrounds,” said Tomorrow’s Warriors Emerging Artist trumpeter Shanise Hall. “Performing my original composition in France and seeing the audience’s reaction was a highlight.”
The local impact was equally profound. Jazz à Tours made a concerted effort to recruit a diverse group of students, resulting in the launch of their own Frontline Session—inspired by Tomorrow’s Warriors—and marking a promising step toward sustained change, even as they navigate cultural challenges around gender inclusion.
“You’ve proven that a more inclusive scene is possible,” said Graziella Niang of Jazz à Tours. “Listening to your musicians play and hearing them talk about the Tomorrow’s Warriors community makes us think that another artistic world, more open and more equitable, is possible.”
As the partnership with Jazz à Tours continues to grow, Tomorrow’s Warriors remain committed to their mission: nurturing the next generation of diverse jazz talent and creating inclusive spaces where all musicians can thrive… and now taking that message across borders!
Photo (c) Remi Angeli
