Listening to lyrical phrasing so hip, such enticing rhythms would stop Miles Davis in his tracks. Trumpeter and composer Theo Croker is pushing the music forward, instigating hip hop, bop, that soul beat riding on funk melodies. Don’t be afraid — take a deep breath and groove to the creative voice of Croker. His track “High Vibrations” (featuring Malaya & D’LEAU) on his recently released double-CD “Dream Manifest” (Dom Recs, 2025) is a mesmerizing dance tune (with club electronics), kickin’ hardcore hypnotic beats, and soul vibrations where dancing becomes a reflex, not a mere thought.
Croker’s uncompromising hip hop rhymes expose the truth on his tune “Jazz Is Dead,” presented during an NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2023. Check it: “Jazz is dead/ For this music our people bled/ born from black intellectual minds/ got diplomas but got to get paid/ you laughin’ and smilin’ but dancing in chains/ Charlie Parker and Miles Davis told us Jazz is dead/ jazz is going to be the death of me but we’ll show you the recipe.” The single was originally recorded in 2022 with his mentor and former professor NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz and longtime friend and collaborator drummer Kassa Overall. “Jazz Is Dead” is Croker’s testament to the inadequacy of a single word to capture the significance of such a treasured musical tradition.
The trumpeter’s music reflects his personal kaleidoscope of life experiences, an amalgamation of Black American music that is a direct link to his legendary grandfather, trumpeter and bandleader Doc Cheatham.
From February 18–22, the Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (2751 Broadway) presents Croker armed with an arsenal of diverse music, running through hip hop underground to beautiful ballads that linger like a thousand butterflies in flight. His stellar group for this rare New York engagement will feature pianist/keyboards Tyler Bullock II, bassist Eric Wheeler, and drummer Koleby Royston.
His widely acclaimed double-CD “Dream Manifest” is more than enough to keep audiences attentive during his Smoke residency, but Croker is accustomed to taking folks far above the clouds where stars and music converse. Perhaps he will include offerings from his third album, “Escape Velocity” (DDB Records, Sony Masterworks, Okeh Records, 2016), a celestial spiritual blend of funk with modes of Pharoah Sanders — something for the spirit for these trying times.
Croker was still a teenager when we met at Harlem’s historical Lenox Lounge, where he and saxophonist Arnold Lee were accompanying his influential father, bassist, composer, and arranger Bill Lee. The two students had come in from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music for the gig. His warm timbre sparked me to follow his blossoming career that has transformed him from a young lion to an established, inventive artist, still rising.
Croker’s seven-year stay in Shanghai, China, broadened his concept of jazz to encompass worldly sounds not prevalent in the U.S. that he has since integrated into his American influences. He has toured, recorded, and collaborated with NEA Jazz Masters vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and Gary Bartz, who have both played a major role in his musicianship. He continues to work with them when he is not busy with his own projects. Croker plays music in the core of now and the moment yet to be heard.
For set times and reservations, visit smokejazz.com.
T.K. Blue’s touring throughout the continent of Africa over the years has influenced his vibrant alto saxophone sound with potent rhythms rooted in the Motherland. On his recent visit to Ghana, West Africa, Blue had an opportunity to perform with some of the country’s most renowned musicians, sharing in a cultural exchange of musical concepts. “Sharing music with my African brothers and sisters is always a spiritual moment most inspiring,” said Blue.
Blue brings his essential blend of African rhythms, straight-ahead jazz, and interpretations of the diaspora to the Django on February 21, for two late-night sets, at 11 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. The evening celebrates Aquarian jazz musicians, which includes Blue, who celebrated his birthday on February 7.
His trusted band features trumpeter Michael Cruse, pianist Alva Nelson, acoustic bass guitarist Paul Beaudry, and drummer Greg Bufford with Blue on alto/sprano, flute, and kalimba. His repertoire will include music to heal, reminiscent, invigorate, and swing from his recent acclaimed CD “Planet Bluu” (JAJA Records), as well as music from his deep reservoir of originals.
For reservations or more information, visit thedjangonyc.com.