by Mike Lisching
Trumpeter and composer Theo Croker arrived at the Blue Note in New York City on Thursday, August 14, riding the wave of his newly released, genre-blurring album Dream Manifest, which dropped on June 13, 2025. The album—Croker’s eighth leader project—melds jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B, dance, and experimental electronics into a bold sonic tapestry of tradition and innovation. Tracks like “One Pillow” (featuring Estelle and Kassa Overall) and the hypnotic “Crystal Waterfalls” reveal both vulnerability and expansive creativity.
Fresh from international shows in Osaka, Tokyo, and Honolulu, Croker brought that creative momentum to his NYC residency. At the Blue Note, he delivered a set rich in technical precision, emotional depth, and adventurous interplay, making every note resonate in the club’s intimate, storied setting—and reaffirming his place as one of contemporary jazz’s most visionary voices. Each of the eight shows featured a different setlist and a different vibe. The Friday late show was not only a performance but a journey. The audience was invited into Theo’s world, and there you could live with your eyes closed to be embraced by the sounds of “Prelude III” and “64 Joints”. The latter featured the voice of Tyreek McDole who was sampled in the performance but in attendance for the show Friday.
Theo will be at SFJazz as part of Terrance Blanchard’s Upswing Series on November 29. Make time in your Thanksgiving weekend to visit the Miner Auditorium and journey with Theo.
Leave a reply