“improbable balance of ethereal and earthy… sublime” – Downbeat
Award-winning alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins burst onto the musical scene in 2020 with his critically acclaimed debut, Omega. October 2024 saw the release of Wilkins’ third album, Blues Blood.
Accolades, awards, and critical acclaim have followed with each of Wilkins’ album releases. Omega was named the best new jazz release by The New York Times and best debut jazz album by NPR. Also, it was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz recording. The year ended on an even higher note, with Wilkins winning the prestigious Letter One Rising Stars Award. Two years later, Wilkins released his sophomore album, The 7th Hand. Like his debut, it topped numerous year-end lists including Jazzwise, NPR, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and JazzTimes. In 2023, Wilkins was awarded with three DownBeat Critics Poll Awards. These included Best Alto Saxophonist, Best Rising Star Composer, and Best Rising Star Group. In 2024, German Deutscher Jazz Preis named his quartet best international live act of the year.
Wilkins and his quartet have toured extensively and graced some of the most esteemed stages in the world. Notable performances include Montreal Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, North Sea Jazz, Pori Jazz, and Newport Jazz Festival. Also, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, SFJAZZ, and Elbphilharmonie.
In addition to touring as a leader, Wilkins continues to record and share the bandstand with both his peers and his longtime mentors. For example, Jason Moran, Kenny Barron, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan, Solange, Joel Ross, Gerald Clayton, and Lalah Hathaway.
Recommended for fans of Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Ravi Coltrane and Charles Lloyd.
📸: Joshua Woods
