Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
The American Jazz Museum, Duke Ellington Legacy and International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) have partnered to release newly transcribed and unpublished Ellington big band charts to the Internet in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month and the jazz legend’s April 29 birthday.
“The American Jazz Museum is expanding its educational arm and working with these partners will be a great catalyst to developing a fully interactive educational experience via the Web and creating more educational opportunities for youth,” said Dennis Winslett, education specialist/docent at the American Jazz Museum.
Some of the charts that will be available include “Tonight I Shall Sleep With A Smile On My Face,” “Baby Please Stop And Think About Me,” “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues,” “Frustration” and “Dancers in Love,” among others.
“These charts are crucial to keeping alive the legacy of one of the greatest bandleaders in jazz history,” said Tom Alexios, director of educational music outreach programs for the Duke Ellington Legacy.
American Jazz Museum and IAJE members will be able to access the music charts via the museum’s web site, www.americanjazzmuseum.org. All users will be required to create a login and verify their membership. The charts will be online in April.
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
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