Trumpeter Theo Croker Previews His Album, 'Dream Manifest' (Live from CR5)

Summary

Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT – Trumpeter Theo Croker Previews His Album, 'Dream Manifest' (Live from CR5)

Host: Alison Stewart | Guest: Theo Croker and Band | Release Date: March 18, 2025 | Location: Smoke Jazz Club, New York City

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1. Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with acclaimed trumpeter and composer Theo Croker. The episode centers around Croker's upcoming album, "Dream Manifest," set to release in June 2025, and his live performances at the Smoke Jazz Club. The discussion delves into the album's inspiration, Croker's creative process, band dynamics, and his experiences touring globally.

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2. Album 'Dream Manifest': Concept and Sound

Theo Croker introduces "Dream Manifest" as an exploration of the subconscious, aiming to translate dreams and internal musings into tangible musical expressions.

• Theo Croker [01:29]: “I wanted this album to sound like an astral thump to the subconscious mind. It’s a dream state. This is like a glimpse into my own dreams and ideas from my subconscious mind.”

He emphasizes creating music that not only grooves but also provokes thought, offering listeners more than just auditory pleasure.

• Theo Croker [01:37]: “...give people something groovy to kind of think to music you can listen to that will do more for you than just, you know, well, what a lot of other music does.”

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3. Creative Process and Production

Croker discusses the rapid creation of the album, highlighting the synergy within his band and their ability to produce high-quality music swiftly.

• Theo Croker [02:12]: “We created this project in a week, and I didn't have any. I just had a few sketches, nothing too planned out. And in a week in the studio, we recorded, mixed and mastered the whole.”

He attributes this efficiency to his band's cohesion, having performed over 100 shows together in the past year, which fosters a deep understanding and seamless collaboration in the studio.

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4. Band Dynamics and Members

The episode features introductions to Croker's talented band members, each bringing unique energy and expertise:

• Idris Frederick – Piano
• Eric E. Dub Wheeler – Acoustic Bass
• Miguel Marcel Russell – Drums and Cymbals
• Tyreek McDowell – Vocals (special guest)

Croker highlights the generational diversity within the band, appreciating the fresh perspectives and vitality his younger bandmates inject into their performances.

• Theo Croker [13:37]: “I love the freshness that they bring, not only in the music, but in their attitudes and their styles.”

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5. Collaboration with Tyreek McDowell

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Croker's collaboration with vocalist Tyreek McDowell, whose contributions enhance the storytelling aspect of Croker's instrumental compositions.

• Theo Croker [14:30]: “Vocals can really help me as an instrumentalist, tell more of the story or kind of give the story guard rails.”

Their collaborative process involved sharing inspirational content and extensive discussions to align their creative visions, culminating in a cohesive and dynamic performance.

• Theo Croker [14:59]: “He did a great job. And we kind of went into the studio again over this song and I took out the melody I'd played and we did it again together. So it was fantastic.”

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6. Live Performances and Preview

During the episode, Croker and his band deliver live previews of unreleased tracks from "Dream Manifest," including:

• "64 Joints" featuring Tyreek McDowell
• "One Pillow" performed instrumentally

These performances showcase the album's eclectic mix of groovy rhythms and profound melodies, hinting at the album's thematic depth and musical diversity.

• Theo Croker [17:16]: “This is a cute little song co-written by Casa Overall, and on the album it features Casa Overall and the singer Estelle. But today we're gonna do it instrumental and it's called One Pillow.”

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7. Future Releases and Tour

Croker announces the release of a new single, "High Vibrations," featuring vocalist Malaya and produced by multi-instrumentalist Dalo.

• Theo Croker [15:53]: “I have a new song coming out tomorrow called High Vibrations featuring a great vocalist named Malaya... It's a very positive tune... very groovy.”

He also reflects on his residency at Smoke Jazz Club, emphasizing the historical significance of performing uptown in a venue steeped in jazz tradition.

• Theo Croker [16:39]: “Being close to the Apollo, one step closer to that stage and the vibrancy of Harlem... is very special and very exciting.”

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8. Touring and Creative Inspiration

Croker shares insights into how touring across diverse locations like London, Slovenia, Louisiana, the Bay Area, and Brazil fuels his creativity. The rigors of touring, from long flights to intense performances, create a fertile ground for musical inspiration.

• Theo Croker [23:10]: “The entire day... is to bring people music... it’s very inspirational.”

When not touring, Croker dedicates time to personal rejuvenation through reading, sleeping, and enjoying the outdoors in his Florida home.

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9. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with gratitude towards the band members and listeners, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives Croker's musical endeavors.

• Theo Croker [24:21]: “Yes, thanks for having us.”

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Notable Quotes

• Theo Croker [01:29]: “I wanted this album to sound like an astral thump to the subconscious mind.”
• Theo Croker [14:30]: “Vocals can really help me as an instrumentalist, tell more of the story...”
• Theo Croker [16:39]: “Bringing this music back to one of its breeding grounds in New York City... is very special and very exciting.”

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Overall, this episode of ALL OF IT offers a comprehensive look into Theo Croker's artistic vision, the making of "Dream Manifest," and the dynamic synergy within his band. Through engaging conversations and live performances, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Croker's contribution to contemporary jazz and his commitment to creating music that resonates on both a cerebral and emotional level.

Transcript

[Sponsor Voice]

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[Theo Croker]

Listener supported WNYC Studios.

[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. It's a big week for jazz in New York. Trumpeter and composer Theo Croker is in town. He's making his debut at the Smoke Jazz Club uptown. But these gigs are more than just a night out to hear some great music. Croker will be playing and performing new new material from his forthcoming album. It's called Dream Manifests. It'll be out in June. Theo Croker is playing for five nights with his band at Smoke. The set begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday, March 23, including three sets a night on Friday and Saturday. But for now, Theo Croker is here in studio with his band to preview the residency and also to give us a special live performance, including some unreleased songs. Hi, Theo.

[Theo Croker]

Hello. Hello. Hello.

[Alison Stewart]

So you got this new album dropping in June, Dream Manifest. What did you want this album to sound like?

[Theo Croker]

I wanted this album to sound like an astral thump to the subconscious mind. Okay, I'm with you. You know, I mean, it's really, it's a dream state. This is like a glimpse into my own dreams and ideas from, you know, my subconscious mind. And I wanted to bring those things into reality, or this reality, shall we say, and just really, just give people something groovy to kind of think to music you can listen to that will do more for you than just, you know, well, what a lot of other music does.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah. When did you, when did you. Did you decide it's time to put out new music?

[Theo Croker]

Well, there's a lot of, you know, personally, I would, I would drop music every week if I could, but, you know, I'm not able to move that quickly. The industry's not able to move that quickly. There's been a lot of change up and shakes up in the industry that I've had to sit back and wait until some of the waters have settled before releasing music. So, I mean, really, I think more importantly, it's about the creation of a project. We created this project in a week, and I didn't have any. I just had a few sketches, nothing too planned out. And in a week in the studio, we recorded, mixed and mastered the whole.

[Alison Stewart]

Thing in One week and wrote it.

[Theo Croker]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Is that also in part because you tour so much?

[Theo Croker]

Yes, it's. Absolutely. My band is on point because We've played over 100 shows together in the last year alone. So it's easy to kind of go in the studio and if I have a sketch or an idea, to very easily find a vibe on it and create.

[Alison Stewart]

What does Dream Manifest. That's the title. What does it mean?

[Theo Croker]

Dream Manifest is, you know, tapping into all of your dreams and desires from your subconscious mind and bringing them into the material world.

[Alison Stewart]

All right, let's hear something from the new album. What are we going to hear?

[Theo Croker]

The first song we're going to play is going to feature a vocalist named Tyreek McDowell, and it's entitled 64 joints.

[Tyreek McDowell]

Samsung. These realms of fantasy Will you let your mind be free? Heart open wide Natural spirit Now the truth and you serve the real passions of that. It's. It's.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Theo Croker and his band performing 64 joints from his upcoming album, Dream Manifest. It'll be releasing in June. Theo will be at the Smoke Jazz Club tomorrow through Sunday. Would you introduce me to everybody and the band? With a pleasure.

[Theo Croker]

Yes. On the piano, we have Idris Frederick. On the acoustic bass, we have Mr. Eric E. Dub Wheeler. On the drums and cymbals, Miguel Marcel Russell.

[Alison Stewart]

Hey, Miguel.

[Theo Croker]

And our special guest on the vocals, Tyreek McDowell.

[Alison Stewart]

These are your fellas. This is who you play with?

[Theo Croker]

Yes, this is my band. We tour all over the world. Tyrique joins us. He's on the album and joins us frequently. And, yeah, we rock. We put some miles in.

[Alison Stewart]

What do you enjoy playing about with this, These group of gentlemen?

[Theo Croker]

Well, me and Eric are on the. You know, we're approaching our 40s and in our 40s, and these gentlemen, Idris and Miguel, are in their 20s, so I love the freshness that they bring, not only in the music, but in their attitudes and their styles. And they're very eager to learn and play and express and explore. When we go on tour, they're constantly keeping me out till five in the morning in cities that I've been to too many times and don't need to be out again. But it's cool, you know, it's cool to see it through their eyes.

[Alison Stewart]

And you get a nap later?

[Theo Croker]

Yeah, I get a nap later and. And, you know, to see how they maneuver through different cultures and watch them learn things. And musically, what they bring to the table is fresh and young, and that certainly energizes what me and Eric do. We've been out here, you know, since they were in middle school.

[Alison Stewart]

So that last song had Tyrique on vocals. When do you know that you want to use a vocalist in your mix?

[Theo Croker]

Yes. So that's a very good question. I. I feel like vocals can really help me as an instrumentalist, tell more of the story or kind of give the story guard rails. I don't like to limit people's imagination with music, so I love instrumental music. But when I involve somebody like Tyreek, it really helps me kind of set the story straight and put you in the right zone. So that's typically when I'll bring him in. I actually had already recorded this song before I brought him in.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, interesting.

[Theo Croker]

And then I started sending him a bunch of occult YouTube links and videos and was like, man, check these people out. Some lyrics to this melody. And he sent me ideas and then I would, you know, metaphysics some of what he was saying up a bit and then sending him more eight hour lectures and things like that. And then he came in the studio. Yeah, they were long. I watch them. I mean, I spent a lot of time on long flights, so it's great. And he, he did a great job. And we kind of went into the studio again over this song and I took out the melody I'd played and we did it again together. So it was fantastic.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is trumpeter and composer Theo Croker. He's playing at Smoke Jazz club beginning tomorrow, March 19th through Sunday, March 23rd for a special preview of his upcoming album. It's dropping June 2025. The album is called Dream Manifest. He's here now to play for us. Tomorrow though. You're dropping a new song?

[Theo Croker]

Yes, I have a new song coming out tomorrow called High Vibrations featuring a great vocalist named Malaya. And it's co written and produced by a multi instrumentalist, Dalo. I'm very excited about it. It's a very positive tune, obviously by the name and it's very. It's very groovy and maybe not what you would expect from a trumpet player unless you're hip to Donald Byrd, unless you're hip to Tom Brown and funkin for Jamaica. So actually maybe it's quite in line with that.

[Alison Stewart]

You've been playing up at Smoke.

[Theo Croker]

Yes.

[Alison Stewart]

You wrote on your Instagram, you can't even remember the last time you performed in Harlem.

[Theo Croker]

I really cannot. Must have been Red Rooster years ago. Years ago. Good for you. Early in my career. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

That's why. Is performing uptown a unique experience?

[Theo Croker]

Well, it feels historical, you know, to be even Close to the Cotton Club and, you know, places where Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington held residency. And being just being close to the Apollo, you know, one step closer to that stage and the vibrancy of Harlem and the historical aspect of bringing this music back to one of its, you know, breeding grounds in New York City historically, and being closer to those people from that, that community or the ancestors of them is very special and very exciting because we're always downtown.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah, you got your trumpet. You're gonna play another song for us.

[Theo Croker]

We got one more for you. This is a cute little song co written by. Actually, this one's written by Casa Overall, and on the album it features Casa Overall and the singer Estelle. But today we're gonna do it instrumental and it's called One Pillow. 1 2, 1, 2, 3.

[Tyreek McDowell]

It.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Theo Croker and his band performing One Pillow from their upcoming album Dream Manifest. They'll be at Smoke Jazz Club tomorrow through Sunday.

[Theo Croker]

Word.

[Alison Stewart]

That little da da da da.

[Theo Croker]

That's my 20% of the composition that I added to what Casa brought in.

[Alison Stewart]

You know, where'd it come from? Was it just in your head? Is that the kind of thing that's in your head and you just have to put it down and.

[Theo Croker]

Confused my subconscious. For me, I'm gonna take a quote from Duke Ellington. For me, the trumpet is dreaming. Playing the trumpet is dreaming. I can express and let out so many things from my mind and subconscious that I can't say with words or with actions through the trumpet. So when a melody like that comes to me in a session or on a show, I let it out and I don't stop it. I don't judge it, I don't critique it too hard. I don't try to make it better than what it is. It's, you know, divinely inspired by the universal spirit. And I just let that, let it flow.

[Alison Stewart]

You have been in London, Slovenia, Louisiana, Bay area, then back home in Brazil and Brazil. How does being on tour help you creatively?

[Theo Croker]

You know, the most. The most beautiful and enjoyable part about being on tour that inspires my creativity is the fact that the entire day, the 12 hour flight, the hotel check in, the car ride to and from the airport, the luggage claim, everything you're dealing with, the sound check, the dinner, everything you're dealing with is to bring people music. So the whole point of the day is to play music. So you got to deal with all. You got to go through so much stuff, which is, you know, what we like to say is actually what they pay us for to then get up on a stage for an hour, hour and a half and play. So you're really just going. Your whole day is about getting to the point where you get to play. And that's very inspirational.

[Alison Stewart]

When you're not playing, when you're not traveling, when you're not luggage checking, how do you spend your time?

[Theo Croker]

Reading, sleeping, standing outside with my feet in the dirt and my face to the to the sun in my beautiful home in central Florida.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest has been trumpeter and composer Theo Croker. He's playing at Smoke Jazz Club beginning tomorrow, March 19th through Sunday, March 23rd. Get ready for his album. It's called Dream Manifest. It'll be out in June. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you so much, all of you for joining us.

[Theo Croker]

Yes, thanks for having us.

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