Immanuel Wilkins crowned his rise to fame in the American jazz world with a series of concerts at the legendary New York club Village Vanguard. No less than three albums with recordings of those performances appeared this year on the iconic label Blue Note. It only confirms the status of the alto saxophonist, who won many awards, but is also praised for his social awareness and activism. In his epic compositions, Immanuel Wilkins often refers to Black history and culture, which he expresses with his gripping alto saxophone playing.

‘The two symbols I draw from are John Coltrane and the Black Church’, says Immanuel Wilkins about what inspires him. He also seeks interaction with contemporaries such as vibraphonist Joel Ross and pianist Jason Moran. Additionally, he has collaborated with artists from very different genres, and major ones too: Solange Knowles, Wynton Marsalis and Bob Dylan, for example. And he has worked with visual artists, theatre directors and filmmakers. It’s indicative of the scope of the alto saxophonist, composer and band leader from New York.

Immanuel Wilkins alto sax, Micah Thomas piano, Ryoma Takenaga double bass, Kweku Sumbry drums

“If Miles Davis had been a generation older and still a talent-spotting genius, he would very likely have hired Immanuel Wilkins before the Pennsylvanian alto saxophonist had even recorded his acclaimed Blue Note debut”
Jazzwise ★★★★