Upswing: Theo Croker

Easily among the most exciting and innovative musicians on the scene, trumpeter Theo Croker is an artist who “exemplifies this moment in jazz” (DownBeat). Grandson of trumpet legend Doc Cheatham, the Florida native was mentored by the great Donald Byrd at Oberlin Conservatory. Championed by iconic vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, Croker released his self-produced debut in 2006 and has collaborated with artists including Common, J. Cole, Kassa Overall, and Kamaal Williams. He gained worldwide acclaim for his 2014 major label debut Afro Physicist, and his expansive upcoming album, Dream Manifest, is highly anticipated.