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.…
On August 28, Concord Jazz will release Anthem, trumpeter Christian Scott’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Rewind That.
The album is a collection of 12 tracks teeming indie-rock, neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz, and it features an appearance by Brother J of X-Clan. The album presents a taste of Scott’s hometown, New Orleans, and the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. It also reflects the many changes Scott has undergone since releasing his his debut album in 2006. “My life changed completely,” he said in a news release. “There’s something here for everybody so that everyone can hear their own personal anthems.”
Scott’s sophomore album comes on the heels of rave reviews from last year’s Rewind That, which was a nominee for Best Contemporary Jazz Album at this year’s Grammy Awards. In a DownBeat interview, fellow trumpeter Chris Botti said, “Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of CDs by new trumpeters. The only one I like is Christian’s. He’s the new voice in jazz trumpet. I love his point of view. He doesn’t sound like any other young trumpet player.”
Scott’s other recent credits include session work with Prince and Randy Jackson for their upcoming albums. In addition, he is slated to appear and perform in the new Steven Soderbergh film “Leatherheads” starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger.
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.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
