Theo Croker – In the Tradition – Arbors

by | Mar 23, 2009 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Theo Croker – In the Tradition – Arbors ARCD 19372, 73:22 *** [Distr. by Allegro]:

(Theo Croker, trumpet, vocals; Sullivan Fortner, piano; Joe Sanders, bass; Albert “Tootie” Heath, drums; with special guest, Benny Powell, on trombone on tracks 7 & 10)

Theo Croker comes from legendary musical stock, as he is the grandson, of jazz icon, Doc Cheatham, whose trumpet playing spanned a major portion of jazz history, as Cheatham played into his 90s. Theo did not pick up a trumpet of his own till nearly his teenage years, when he was inspired after hearing Doc play at New York’s Sweet Basil. Cheatham died the next year at age 92, in 1997. Croker was inspired by Doc’s recordings to devote his teenage years to study of the trumpet. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he expanded his knowledge, being commissioned to write works for band and choir.

Theo attended Oberlin College and worked with another trumpet genius, Donald Byrd. He next honed his craft in New York, before taking the unusual path of relocating to Shanghai, China, where he has had extended work at The House of Jazz and Blues.

Croker’s debut with Arbors honors his grandfather with many traditional New Orleans staples. His maturity as a young artist is on display, and unlike many other young trumpeters, Theo, has the moxie not to attempt to showboat and overplay his solos.

When listening to Croker, the first thing you notice is his warm burnished tone. His sideman are impressive as well, as Sullivan Fortner on piano has the touch of a veteran, playing effortlessly on Black and Blue. Of course, Tootie Heath, on drums needs no introduction. Having Benny Powell along on Jada, and St. Louis Blues, is a nice treat.

Croker has the skill to make good use of a mute on Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing. Here he also vocalizes and he has a pleasant voice to match his blowing skills. Other classic tunes that Theo honors are She’s Funny That Way; a confident reading of Struttin’ With Some Barbecue; an extended read of You’re Blasé; and a great blending with Benny Powell on Jada.

Croker easily fits into the mainstream roster of Arbors musicians, quite a feat for a 23 year old. Arbors usually features leaders who qualify for Social Security. Theo Croker’s pedigree makes his addition to the Arbors stable a welcome surprise. He’s a young trumpeter to keep an eye on. On In the Tradition he does his grandpa proud.

TrackList:
Black and Blue, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, She’s Funny That Way, Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You, Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, You’re Blasé, Jada, New Orleans, I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues, St. Louis Blues, I Cover the Waterfront, Bourbon Street Parade, Little Things That Mean So Much

– Jeff Krow

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