Theo Croker's jazz'n'funk

Like almost all the musicians of his generation, trumpeter Theo Croker didn't grow up with the idiom that he decided to serve: jazz. As a result, funk, hip-hop, soul, rock and electro have all been part of his musical education since his birth in Leesburg, Florida on 18th July, 1985 . The grandson of the great trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker has travelled extensively, particularly in Shanghai where he sometimes lives. It was also in this Chinese metropolis where he met his mentor, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, with whom he often works. Which all led up to Escape Velocity, his second album for the label OKeh, which he recorded with his group DVRK FUNK (pronounced Dark Funk), with Anthony Ware on tenor saxophone and flute, Michael King on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass and Kassa Overall on drums. You can also hear the saxophonist Irwin Hall, and Dee Dee Bridgewater on one track. Theo Croker's jazz, as displayed here is, logically, very open. You can feel the influence of the RH Factor (Roy Hargrove) on this young young trumpeter... The themes are shimmering, melodically polished and rhythmically very strong. But make no mistake: the essence of this ultra groovy music is definitely jazz! Whether using Afrobeat, pure soul or Latin jazz, Croker is totally within his instrument's tradition. An instrument he is undoubtedly a master of, which is confirmed with each new record release.

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