(US)
Immanuel Wilkins, alto saxophone; Micah Thomas, piano; Matt Brewer, bass; Kweku Sumbry, drums
One of the most prominent saxophonists to have emerged from a new generation of US jazz musicians, Immanuel Wilkins’ prodigious talent was spotted early on by venerable institutions. It’s uncommon for a young jazz musician to record their debut album under a major label. Wilkins was one of the select few: Omega was released on Blue Note in 2020. Although aged barely twenty-two at the time, his record conveys a sense of consistency, maturity and fluid sophistication of ensemble performance, a quartet that enjoys a long-standing collaboration. The album won glowing reviews and was named #1 Jazz Album of 2020 by The New York Times and NPR’s Best Debut Jazz Album. In 2022, Blue Note Records released Wilkins’ second effort, The 7th Hand, which again received a load of recognition, landing on various Best of 2022 lists (including Jazzwise, NPR, Jazz Times, New York Times...).
