JAZZ IN THE ORIENT
Theo Croker’s The Path of Transcendence was an uplifting musical experience. As well as being a more-than-able trumpeter, Theo is also a highly skilled composer. His suite of jazz inflected reflections on life in Shanghai covers a lot of musical territory, from New Orleans second-line, through reggae and of course, jazz. He writes tastefully for all of the instruments in his sextet, including two sax players, which enables him to write some terrific three part horn lines and and some cool dueling moments.Every member of the band was very well featured in both the written parts and of course, the solos. AAAAA++++ would hear again.
Theo Croker Offers the Real Jazz Deal
Theo Croker, the ubiquitous trumpeter and composer from New York, believes in the real deal. His pursuit of music is based on individuality, personality and integrity, where an artist transcends tradition and creates his own voice.
Croker and his sextet will perform a jazz concert, "Path of Transcendence," this Sunday at Shanghai Oriental Art Center.
Theo Croker talks with City Weekend
March 7 I’m going to be premiering a piece of music I commissioned myself to write for Shanghai. It’s called “The Path of Transcendence”, which is the translation from the Chinese name. I’m writing it for Shanghai, forCchina, to show my artistic appreciation for being able to grow here.
Jazz Theocracy
He’s cool and laidback on stage, but trumpet player Theo Croker’s youthful energy – and now, as he pushes his musical ambitions and starts a new gig on the night-time talk show Asia Uncut with Jon Niermann, the jazz artist is building even more of an audience.
Testimony
"There are good, great andnice musical players, but then there are phenomenal instrumentalist such as Theo. I would place Theo in a class of musicians who will redirect the flow , change and alter the current of today's New Jazz. Theo has the ability and the intelligence to challenge the direction of Nu Music. Theo is one of today's titans. He is a Sankofa"
Donald Byrd
"He has the tools, the intelligence and the ability and the talents. The future looks bright for Croker."
Wynton Marsalis
"Theo Croker is one of the most promising and creative trumpeters on the horizon today and is also one of the most energetic artists I have ever encountered."
Marcus Belgrave
"I met Theo at Oberlin College. As soon as we met I knew that he was on, we hit it off. I had an opportunity to listen to his compositions and I was amazed. Theo is a great, talented, brilliant young trumpet player."
Bill Lee
"Theo has composed some interesting and challenging music played by young, talented musicians."
Robin Eubanks
"This man has made a remarkable impression thus far with his dedication to music. He is also an accomplished arranger and composer"
All About Jazz.com
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