This album marks a milestone moment for an artist who has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, received multiple GRAMMY nominations, and contributed to platinum-selling albums by J. Cole, Ari Lennox, and Common. Collaboration is at the heart of this album, featuring an all-star lineup including Estelle, Kassa Overall, Tyreek McDole, MAAD, Gary Bartz, Natureboy Flako, Malaya, and D’LEAU—each bringing a distinct energy to the record.
Croker first picked up the trumpet after being inspired by his grandfather, the GRAMMY-winning jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and later attended Oberlin Conservatory, where he was mentored by Donald Byrd. After graduation, he split seven years between Shanghai and New York, immersing himself in diverse musical collaborations that shaped his signature sound. His major label debut album Afrophysicist (Sony Masterworks)—produced with Dee Dee Bridgewater—is a result of these collaborations. On Dream Manifest, Croker continues to honor jazz and funk while seeing how far he can take them through his exploration of other genres.
“[Theo’s music is] timeless and of the moment.” - Wall Street Journal
"Theo Croker [has] an unmistakable air of chill… That chill is the result of a clear musical approach and determination." - NPR
“Theo Croker is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer and bandleader whose powerful and eclectic take on modern jazz pays respect to the tradition of the music while moving the genre forward.” - TIDAL
"[Theo] seeks to break away from narrow definitions of jazz" - Jazzwise
“With two feet planted firmly in the jazz world, as well as tentacles reaching into hip-hop, R&B, ambient, world music, and experimental genres, Grammy-nominated producer, composer, and trumpeter Theo Croker makes his voice heard far and wide.” - Tape Op
Tracklist:
1. prelude 3
2. one pillow
3. 64 joints
4. up frequency (higher)
5. light as a feather
6. high vibrations
7. crystal waterfalls
8. we still wanna dance
9. postlude 3
10. sound(e)scape
11. my friend
12. eyes wide open (noema)
13. beyond
14. mantra (outerlude)
