Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society Presents ~ Alto Saxaphonist Immanuel Wilkins and his Quartet

Grammy nominated alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins burst onto the musical scene in 2020 with the release of his critically acclaimed Blue Note recording debut, Omega.  Omega was named the best new jazz release by The New York Times, the best debut jazz album by NPR, and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz recording.

His sophomore release, The 7th Hand (2022), continued his rapid ascent, topping year‑end lists from Jazzwise, NPR, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and JazzTimes. In 2023, Wilkins won three DownBeat Critics Poll Awards—Best Alto Saxophonist, Best Rising Star Composer, and Best Rising Star Group. His third Blue Note album, Blues Blood, was released in 2024 and was nominated for a Grammy.

A native of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Wilkins has performed with artists including Jason Moran, Kenny Barron, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan, and Gerald Clayton, while continuing to tour internationally as a leader.

Wilkins will be  celebrating the release of  his new album, Live at the Village Vanguard Volume 1—the first of three recordings  coming out  in the  spring of  2026.

Immanuel Wilkins – Sax; Micah Thomas – Piano; Ryoma Takenaga – Bass; Savannah Harris – Drums

Website

Immanuel Wilkins: NPR Tiny Desk Concert Video

February 24, 2026 Always inspirational, the music of saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins is also heavy and thought provoking. In the harmonic tension of his music you can hear sepia tones of the Black experience — an ancient and modern struggle told through melody and overlaid with hope.

Complex time signatures swing and sway with spiritual incantations that instill reflection and peace. We’ve had the good fortune to showcase works from across Wilkins’ exceptional catalog.

His Tiny Desk (home) concert features selections from his debut album, Omega.