Immanuel Wilkins Quartet

In the organizer's words:

Immanuel Wilkins has long since ceased to be an insider tip. Five years ago, the saxophonist and composer from Philadelphia first made a name for himself internationally when his debut album Omega was named "Jazz Album of the Year 2020" by the New York Times - Wilkins was just 22 years old at the time. Two years later, he presented himself and his quartet in the "Fast Lane" series. His third album is now available, which he is presenting again at domicil with his well-rehearsed ensemble.

Blues Blood is the title of the new album, on which Wilkins deals intensively with his African-American identity - and strikes a surprisingly quiet and thoughtful note. In the midst of turbulent times, he looks back to his childhood in Philadelphia, shaped by the spiritual power of the African-American church and the deeply rooted gospel and blues tradition that still characterizes the cultural self-image of the Black community today.

Wilkins is accompanied by a top-class band: Micah Thomas on piano, Rick Rosato on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. The album also features voices such as those of three-time Grammy award winner Cécile McLorin Salvant. In the quartet version, Wilkins brings the vocal parts to life with his unmistakably warm, nuanced saxophone playing - and leaves room for spontaneous musical ideas. For this artful balance between improvisation and precision, the quartet was awarded the 2024 German Jazz Prize as "Live Act of the Year International". And 2025 looks set to be another successful year: Blues Blood is already on the shortlist for "Album of the Year International".

Price information:

Box office 33€ | Reduction 50% | U20 admission free (registration required)