This Friday, January 4, The Jazz Gallery kicks off the new year with a performance by saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and his quartet. Fresh off his Mentoring Series experience with trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, Wilkins is now preparing to record his debut album. In a recent conversation with Jazz Speaks, Wilkins spoke about his plans for the record:

I’m excited about it; I’ve mapped it out. At this point, it’s kind of about [putting] people in place to facilitate that for me. That’s also kind of why I didn’t try to wait for a label. I’m trying to do it myself and pitch it later. My vision is pretty clear now as [far as] how I want to be represented, and I’d rather not have something getting in the way of that. I’m in full-stubborn mode: “I know what I want. This is what I want.” Even if it’s immature, it’s what I want right now. That’s how I want to be represented, and that’s how I want to be documented. Especially on my first record, I want it to be whatever I’m doing right now.

For his Gallery show this Friday, Wilkins will be joined by bassist Daryl Johns and drummer Kweku Sumbry of his working group, but with Jason Moran filling in on piano (Moran is set to help produce the quartet's record). Don't miss seeing these talented young musicians mix it up with an influential mentor like Moran. The Immanuel Wilkins Quartet plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, January 4, 2019. The group features Mr. Wilkins on alto saxophone, Jason Moran on piano, Daryl Johns on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $25 general admission ($10 for members), $35 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.