Theo
Croker and his band are not being taken in. It was reassuring to meet this
group of young Americans just days after Donald Trump became President-Elect.
These men are not fooled by any of it. In a reference to the Jonestown tragedy
in 1978 where mass suicide involved poisoned soft drinks, Theo and his band
emphasised just how savvy they are.
Of
course, Croker’s 2016 album – Escape
Velocity – is evidence enough of free-thinking and creativity. It is a
stunning collection of tunes that show Croker’s trumpet and the whole band’s
skills beautifully.
Real
life is there in every tune. Social media is part of their everyday life – all
these musicians are active and engaged with the world. That engagement is clear
in the music, which mixes electronic wizadry and production values with musical
ability and performance that is exceptional.
It was fascinating to be given the opportunity
to meet trumpeter Theo Croker, Kassa Overall (drums), Michael
King (keys), Eric Wheeler (bass), Anthony Ware (saxes) and Ben Eunson (guitar). Interviewing this democracy
in miniature was an interesting event as they filmed it for themselves, just as
I recorded the sound. Taking it all in is obvious in the album, too. “The music
is all about people and the world we experience as we travel around,” Croker
said.
Next
time, I’ll catch the live show, too. “When we go into the studio, we want to
create something different to what you’ll hear live,” Croker said. Certainly,
there’s an honesty and a transparency – these men are living today and making
the most of every moment. Perhaps that’s what Escape Velocity is about – finding the speed to live better and not
to believe the lies.
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