AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE QUARTET

The American trumpet player Ambrose Akinmusire is one of the most important jazz artists of his generation, thanks to the emotional impact of his playing and the originality of his music. He dares to put his fabulous technique at the service of his feeling. Ambrose sees singular artists such as Joni Mitchell, Björk and Cold Specks as his kindred spirits. He takes inspiration from all kinds of music, from classical to hip-hop, but also from current social issues.

Ambrose Akinmusire grew up in California, where he was discovered by saxophonist Steve Coleman. He took lessons from Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard, and he won the Thelonious Monk Competition in 2007. His debut album on Blue Note was selected as the best jazz CD by Nate Chinen of New York Times. In 2014 he received the Paul Acket Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

‘One of the prime and powerful fresh voices in 21st century jazz’ (Downbeat).

‘He submerges his technique in a greater goal: creating powerful moods, then shattering them and then replacing them with different colors until an emotional narrative emerges’ (Jazz Times).