Theo Croker Biglietti

Trumpeter Theo Croker exudes an unmistakable air of chill, an easy smile on display. That chill is the result of a clear musical approach and determination that dates back to Croker's teenage days forming big bands and fearlessly pushing the bounds of the music played by his grandfather, trumpeter Doc Cheatham. His reach includes collaborations with a variety of musicians: vocalists Ari Lennox and Jill Scott, rappers J. Cole and Wyclef Jean, and mentors including NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater and saxophonist Gary Bartz. Croker's latest two albums, LOVE QUANTUM and BLK2LIFE // A FUTURE PAST, and new release BY THE WAY showcase Croker's journey as a trumpeter, composer and producer in expanding the music commonly known as jazz with hip-hop, R&B and electronic sounds.

'the indisputable product of Black American Music, of which jazz is mother of all wells.' - AFROPUNK

Trumpeter, producer, arranger, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Croker's is garnering widespread acclaim in the UK from the likes of Gilles Peterson for his unique story-telling abilities with the trumpet. Grandson of the late venerable trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and former student of legendary jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, Theo Croker stands firmly at the helm of a scene with many parallels to that in the UK; taught by the greats, yet unafraid to step in bold new directions.

Croker has also lent his talents to the world of hip hop, with rap superstar J. Cole's platinum-certified No. 1 opus 4 Your Eyez Only, with Croker acting as trumpet arranger and performer on multiple tracks. GRAMMY® Award-winning rapper Common also sought out Croker for his critically-acclaimed album Black America Again. In 2020, he hunkered down at his childhood home in the midst of the global pandemic and wrote his sixth full-length album, releasing fall 2021 on SPN Records via Sony Music Masterworks.