Saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins sits down with Ross Eustis, SFJAZZ Director of Digital, to discuss his work and influences and give us an insider preview of his week as Resident Artistic Director that will include the world premiere of his SFJAZZ commission “Recitations” and the release of his new album. He will be joined by a core quartet featuring pianist Micah Thomas, bassist Ryoma Takenaga, and drummer Savannah Harris, and guests including keyboardist and NEA Jazz Master Amina Claudine Meyers, guitarist Pedro Martins, and saxophone legend David Murray.

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About the artist:

Alto saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Immanuel Wilkins is one of the vital voices of jazz in the 21st century. A native of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Wilkins has worked with a range of artists including Wynton Marsalis, Joel Ross, Solange, and Gerald Clayton. His Blue Note debut Omega took the #1 spot on The New York Times’ list of Best Jazz Albums of 2020, and his most recent album, Blues Blood, was released in 2024.

SFJAZZ Listening Parties:

Step into the SFJAZZ “living room” and hear artists and tastemakers spinning their favorite recordings while in conversation. Listening Parties offer listeners the chance to get behind-the- scenes and hear about music from the artist’s perspective. The format is an on-stage conversation in the Robert N. Miner Auditorium, accompanied by the artist’s pick of recorded, and sometimes live, excerpts. The conversation closes with questions from the audience.