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. His new album, Escape Velocity, arrives unchecked and un-filtered. It doesn’t attempt to fit a single specific musical category, but draws upon the first principle of jazz: to merge and interpret history, styles and ideas and create a unique sound. Escape Velocity, due May 6th, and featuring his band DVRK FUNK (pronounced DARK FUNK) is Croker’s second album since returning from China where he lived and worked for nearly a decade. DVRK FUNK includes Anthony Ware on tenor saxophone and flute, pianist Michael King, bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Kassa Overall. Saxophone player Irwin Hall also plays on the album. Escape Velocity is Croker’s second album with OKeh Records. His debut, AfroPhysicist, was released in 2014.