As the grandson of Doc Cheatham and a former student of Donald Byrd, trumpeter Theo Croker is an artist steeped in jazz tradition. Well–versed in the swing, bop, and modal styles of acoustic jazz, Croker's own music reveals a love of organic funk, soul, and groove–oriented hip-hop. It’s a vital amalgam that would have pleased the forward–thinking Byrd (1932–2013), whose own ‘70s jazz–funk fusion was an obvious touchstone for Croker on his hypnotically enlightened 2016 albumEscape Velocity. Ranked the #1 Jazz Album in the UK by Echoesmagazine, Escape Velocityis now over 1.5 million cumulative streams on Spotify and nearly 1 million streams for the track “No Escape from Bliss.” Theo Croker (who’s also been featured on widely aired tracks by J. Cole and Common) now prepares to release his much–anticipated follow–up, Star People Nation, via Sony Masterworks. Come be a part of the Star People celebration – only at Jazz Standard!  Theo Croker – trumpet Mike King – piano Eric Wheeler – bass Michael Ode – drums