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Theo Croker

Enter the AfroPhysicist - trumpeter/composer Theo Croker. Coming straight out of Leesburg, Florida by way of Shanghai, China, this bold young soul-jazz newcomer, grandson of New Orleans trumpet legend Doc Cheatham is fortified by tradition with no lack of contemporary electricity to propel him into the future.

Croker’s new album - AfroPhysicist - comes out on May 20, 2014 on Dee Dee Bridgewater‘s DDB Records via Sony Masterworks’ imprint OKeh Records. This is Croker’s third album and the inaugural release on Bridgewater’s label. His music literally shape-shifts without pause through 12 captivating selections.

AfroPhysicist includes three vocals sung by Bridgewater, each from different eras and genres, and all re-imagined in bold strokes: “Moody’s Mood For Love” (the classic James Moody instrumental vocalized by Eddie Jefferson in the `50s, then by George Benson with Patti Austin in the `80s); “Save Your Love For Me,” (made famous by Nancy Wilson with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet in 1962); and “I Can’t Help It,” originally introduced by Michael Jackson on 1979′s Off the Wall, and flipped here into a sizzling, chattering Afro-Cuban whirlwind.

Though Croker recorded two previous albums as a leader - The Fundamentals in 2007 and In the Tradition in 2009 – the time he spent in Shanghai prepared him to become the daring artist that Bridgewater was excited to unleash on her DDB label. “What was hot in New York didn’t matter,” says Croker. “We were far enough removed that nobody was judging us.”

When Croker met Bridgewater, it was October of 2009 during the Shanghai Jazz Festival, where he was playing in the big band that backed her. The two hit it off at an after-party jam and met for lunch during her next visit. When Bridgewater inquired about the music the trumpeter was working on, Croker handed over his iPod and told her to listen for herself. By Summer 2010, they were in discussions about recording an album. “The first thing Dee Dee said was, ‘We are not doing a jazz record,’” Croker says laughing. “It was perfect. I already knew who I was and I had no inhibitions.”

AfroPhysicist features Croker’s core group: keyboardist Sullivan Fortner, wind and reed man Irwin Hall, drummer Karriem Riggins, acoustic/electric bassist Michael Bowie and guitarist David Gilmore, with other horns and specialists. One standout guest is vibraphonist Stefon Harris who brings his unfiltered spell casting to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Visions.” “In another life, maybe I was a singer,” Croker muses. “I gave up on that dream a long time ago but felt I could really convey the meaning of Stevie’s deeply relevant lyric through my horn. His Innervisions album (1973) was a huge influence for me, flow wise.”

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15
Album Review

Joey Alexander: Continuance

Read "Continuance" reviewed by Neil Duggan


At some point, even a child prodigy grows up. Now 20 years old, Balinese pianist, Joey Alexander has come long way from the six- year-old exposed to Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, the eight-year-old playing in front of Herbie Hancock and the ten-year-old winning improvisation competitions. It may be hard to believe but Continuance is his seventh release. Given his age, ability and meteoric rise, expectations are always high, perhaps unfairly so. In his expected progress ...

1
Album Review

Billy Valentine: Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth

Read "Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi


Dopo quarant'anni d'assenza dal mercato, l'etichetta Flying Dutchman torna con una produzione intensa e avvincente, che ci riporta ai suoi anni migliori. Protagonista è Billy Valentine, soul singer degli anni settanta tornato alla ribalta cinque anni fa (col sorprendente quanto ignorato Brit Eyed Soul) e qui accompagnato da formazioni che includono Jeff Parker, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Pino Palladino, Theo Croker, Larry Goldings, Linda May Han Oh, e altri nomi di primo piano. Bob ...

10
Year in Review

Mark Sullivan's Best Jazz & Beyond Albums Of 2022

Read "Mark Sullivan's Best Jazz & Beyond Albums Of 2022" reviewed by Mark Sullivan


Another great year for recordings. The pandemic's influence faded, but several of the albums on my list were still created remotely. My picks leaned towards the experimental side: a bit more “beyond" than “jazz." I could have easily listed another ten albums released by ECM Records and Blue Note Records--to name two established labels I have always especially loved--which both had strong years. Here's to 2022, and Happy New Year! Theo Croker Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic ...

16
Album Review

Theo Croker: Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XII: Sketches of Miles

Read "Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XII:  Sketches of Miles" reviewed by Mark Sullivan


Let us just cut to the chase and say this is a terrific collection of live concert interpretations and arrangements of acoustic Miles Davis music, drawing from recordings originally released between 1956 and 1968. This period arguably includes his most beloved output, with a place in the hearts of most jazz fans. The first disc in the set focuses on the Miles Davis Quintet, as played by the Theo Croker Quartet. The second disc is devoted to Davis's large ensemble ...

3
Radio & Podcasts

Theo Croker, Tigran Hamasyan, Camille Bertault, David Helbock & Other New Releases

Read "Theo Croker, Tigran Hamasyan, Camille Bertault, David Helbock & Other New Releases" reviewed by Ludovico Granvassu


Tributes to Miles and Mingus, Camille Bertault, Theo Croker, and the German label ACT Music are some of the threads of this playlist, which also features one of the most surprising albums of the year... but you have to listen to find out what that is... Happy listening! Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Theo Croker feat. Chris Dave “Cosmic Intercourse (Pt. II)" Love Quantum (Masterworks) 0:16 Host talks ...

2
Radio & Podcasts

T.S. Monk, Grant Stewart & Theo Croker

Read "T.S. Monk, Grant Stewart & Theo Croker" reviewed by Joe Dimino


Innovative trumpeter Theo Croker begins the 764th Episode of Neon Jazz with a song off his album Love Quantum. The theme of the hour is modern jazz released in 2022. We also hear new material from T.S. Monk off his first live album and feature Dan Olivo, Steve Hudson, Tim Lin and Steve Knight. Listen in to the current and future direction of jazz. Enjoy the music, my friends.Playlist Theo Croker “Cosmic Intercourse Pt. II" Love Quantam (Star ...

1
Live Review

Belgrade Jazz Festival 2021

Read "Belgrade Jazz Festival 2021" reviewed by Martin Longley


Belgrade Jazz Festival Dom Omladine/Kombank Dvorana Belgrade, Serbia October 26-November 1, 2021 The 37th Belgrade Jazz Festival made a full return to its accustomed international nature, following the late 2020 mostly-Serbian edition. Artists successfully managed to arrive from the USA and various parts of Europe, with no cancellations in the programme. This was also the 50th anniversary of the BJF, taking into account the 'missing' war-years in the divided post-Yugoslavian landscape. As ...

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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Theo Croker

Jazz Musician of the Day: Theo Croker

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Theo Croker's birthday today!

Enter the AfroPhysicist- trumpeter/composer Theo Croker. Coming straight out of Leesburg, Florida by way of Shanghai, China, this bold young soul-jazz newcomer, grandson of New Orleans trumpet legend Doc Cheatham is fortified by tradition with no lack of contemporary electricity to propel him into the future. Croker’s new album- AfroPhysicist- comes out on May 20, 2014 on Dee Dee Bridgewater‘s DDB Records via Sony Masterworks’ imprint OKeh Records. This is Croker’s ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Theo Croker

Jazz Musician of the Day: Theo Croker

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Theo Croker's birthday today!

Enter the AfroPhysicist- trumpeter/composer Theo Croker. Coming straight out of Leesburg, Florida by way of Shanghai, China, this bold young soul-jazz newcomer, grandson of New Orleans trumpet legend Doc Cheatham is fortified by tradition with no lack of contemporary electricity to propel him into the future. Croker’s new album- AfroPhysicist- comes out on May 20, 2014 on Dee Dee Bridgewater‘s DDB Records via Sony Masterworks’ imprint OKeh Records. This is Croker’s ...

1

Award / Grant

Theo Croker Wins Marcus Belgrave National Jazz Trumpet Competition In Conjunction With Detroit Jazz

Theo Croker Wins Marcus Belgrave National Jazz Trumpet Competition In Conjunction With Detroit Jazz

Source: Muse Media

THEO CROKER WINS MARCUS BELGRAVE NATIONAL JAZZ TRUMPET COMPETITION IN CONJUNCTION WITH DETROIT JAZZ Croker, Recently Signed to Dee Dee Bridgewater’s DDB Records Distributed by OKeh Records/SonyMasterworks, Will Also Release New CD in Spring 2014 Los Angeles, CA: Critically-acclaimed cutting-edge trumpet player Theo Croker has won the Marcus Belgrave National Jazz Trumpet Competition in conjunction with Detroit Jazz. Held in honor of Detroit Jazz legend Marcus Belgrave, the competition recognizes and provides performance opportunities to outstanding jazz trumpeters 35 years ...

123

Interview

Trumpeter Theo Croker Interviewed at AAJ

Trumpeter Theo Croker Interviewed at AAJ

Source: Michael Ricci

If you've never seen Theo Croker before, he's a pretty easy one to spot. He's the one with the trumpet by his side at all times. The neat dreadlocks and mischievous glint in his eye are also dead giveaways. Having grown up in the U.S. in a musically oriented family, Croker was introduced to the world of jazz and the blues at a young age. He picked up the trumpet at 11 and has been a virtuoso ever since, recording ...

143

Performance / Tour

Universal Musical Appeal - Live Performances by Theo Croker

Universal Musical Appeal - Live Performances by Theo Croker

Source: Mosnar Communications, Inc

Theo Croker is home and performing live in New York - at least for the moment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see him perform live at the Rubin Museum of Art's Harlem in the Himalayas series. He recently returned from a live performance tour in Shanghai, China with stops in London and Egypt on the way back. Theo's sensational jazz style is becoming a hot demand for both jazz and hip hop fans. Brenda Bradley of Exalt Entertainment ...

157

Music Industry

Theo Croker: A Global Jazz Sensation in the Making

Theo Croker: A Global Jazz Sensation in the Making

Source: Mosnar Communications, Inc

Brenda Bradley of Exalt Entertainment Group interviews International up and coming favorite Theo Croker about his thoughts on the jazz industry and future plans. What do you believe is behind your growing international audience? Well, for one thing, winning the Presser Foundation Award and being able to use the funding for my first recording, The Fundamentals, gave me a lot of artistic freedom. I was also able to independently distribute to international radio for airplay. And the response was great. ...

141

Performance / Tour

Theo Croker to Perform at Rubin Museum of Art

Theo Croker to Perform at Rubin Museum of Art

Source: Mosnar Communications, Inc

Jazz sensation 20ish, Theo Croker is making a global name for himself within the jazz community. Croker the grandson of legendary jazz great Doc Cheatham is leading the family legacy in the jazz world. On June 20, 2008 Theo Croker will perform at the Rubin Museum of Art New York City. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Theo Croker Upcoming Appearances: June 20 - The Billy Hart Academy Featuring Theo Croker July 11 - The Theo Croker ...

110

Performance / Tour

Theo Croker Amazing Shanghai

Theo Croker Amazing Shanghai

Source: Mosnar Communications, Inc


104

Performance / Tour

Reggie Workman's Sculptured Sounds Presents @ Twins Features Billy Hart's "The Academy" (Special Guest: Theo Croker (TPT), Aug.17 & 18

Reggie Workman's Sculptured Sounds Presents @ Twins  Features Billy Hart's "The Academy" (Special Guest: Theo Croker (TPT), Aug.17 & 18

Source: All About Jazz

Nominated by the Jazz Journalist Association as the “Top Jazz Drummer" Internationally acclaimed Billy Hart is truly an artist of distinction! Marked by a crisp, driving beat contrasted by a looser, uncanny flexibility, the consummate jazz drummer and DC native- son has appeared on over 400 recordings, many pivotal, of such jazz icons as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. With “The Academy," Hart continues the great musical incubator concept of Blakely's Messenger's and other groups. The dynamic Hart ...

122

Performance / Tour

Theo Croker Quintet @ The Rubin Museum of Art, Fri., Aug. 10, 7PM

Theo Croker Quintet @ The Rubin Museum of Art, Fri., Aug. 10, 7PM

Source: The Cinarae Group

At 21 years old, Theo Croker's musicianship possesses a depth far beyond his years. A rising star on the New York jazz scene, see this dynamic trumpeter whose legacy as the grandson of jazz trumpet legend Doc Cheatham, is profoundly felt when he plays.

THEO CROKER QUINTET

Theo Croker/ Trumpet Stantawn Kendrick/Tenor Sax Sullivan Fortner/Piano Chris Mees/Bass Kassa Overall/ Drums @ Rubin Museum of Art 150 ...

Roy Hargrove
trumpet
DAOUD
trumpet
Gabriel Bey
trumpet
Ash Luo
drums

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

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