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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. A native of Leesburg, Florida, Croker is the grandson of the late great jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham. Croker began playing trumpet at age 11 after hearing Cheatham play in New York City, and by his teens was studying music formally at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville followed by the music conservatory at Oberlin College. Croker’s musical training has taken him all over the world including Shanghai, China where he took up residency at the House of Blues and refined his style. Shanghai is also where Croker met his mentor, Dee Dee Bridgewater, whom he performs with often. In 2014, Croker released his debut album AfroPhysicist on DDB Records via Sony Music Masterworks/OKeh Records. The follow-up, Escape Velocity, will be released in May 2016.
Maurice “Mobetta” Brown’s talent orbits him simultaneously through three worlds: contemporary jazz, blues-rock and cutting edge hip hop. He’s a mastermind as a trumpeter, composer, arranger, and producer. When Maurice picks up his horn, his soulful melodies soar into a rarefied space that uniquely marries be-bop to hip-hop and rock, producing his own distinctive sound. Constant evolution drives him. His intuitive vision lights a fire under traditional jazz, adds sonic brass to rock n' roll and pushes the production tip in hip-hop. Having recently severed ties with TTB, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown is again charting his own musical path. The summer release of his new album, “THE MOOD” coupled with album tracks he produced for Talib Kweli, Omar, and Prodigy will make 2016 a long, hot burn.
Marcus Machado
Born February 9, 1984 Marcus Machado has been playing the acoustic guitar since the age of 2 and the electric guitar since the age of 4. His first performance was in kindergarten where he played “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix on a guitar synthesizer.Marcus started playing professionally at the age of 9 years old. Mastering the keyboards, drums and bass he started by playing at local clubs throughout Florida and performing at charity benefits. In 2010 Marcus was showcased as the musical director and bandleader on the Boris “Live My Life Live“ CD. He toured with Boris opening up for Simply Red and played the Park Pop Festival for 300 000 people.. In June 2015 he has been recording at Swinghouse Studios and touring in Los Angeles. He has also created his own signature Stratocaster guitar line named MM Guitars. He is endorsed by D’Addario Strings. In December 2014 Marcus was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as The Next Young Gun. Marcus passion and love for music is not only heard when you listen to him but to see him perform only exemplifies he is truly a talent to be reckoned with.
From the hills of humble beginnings to the mountains of southern fried funk and jazz, 2x 2016 Grammy award winning talent Kendra Foster has planted a soulful flag on R&B and pop music. Born and raised in the mists of north Florida, Singer- Songwriter Kendra Foster brings a fresh breath of southern charm and funk-soul music roots to music industry. Her style defies classification but contains drip drop elements of R&B, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Classical, Electronica, and World music. As a former member of George Clinton’s world famous Parliament Funkadelic, Kendra has traveled the world performing over 1,500 shows and appearances.