GRAMMY-nominated alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is set to release his first-ever live album, Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: Live At The Village Vanguard, on March 20, 2026. The three-volume project, a sonic exploration captured within the historic walls of the Novel York City jazz club, promises a deep dive into the quartet’s improvisational prowess and a connection to the venue’s rich musical history. A first single, a stirring rendition of Alice Coltrane’s “CHARANAM,” offers a compelling preview of the album’s energy, and depth.
The release marks a significant moment in Wilkins’ career, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Live At The Village Vanguard Vol. 1 isn’t simply a performance recording; it’s an ambitious attempt to channel the spirit of a legendary space that has hosted generations of jazz icons. The album will be available on LP, CD, and digital formats, with subsequent volumes arriving digitally on April 17 and May 15, respectively, according to announcements from Blue Note Records and Universal Music Canada.
A Quartet in Conversation
Wilkins is joined on the recording by a formidable quartet: Micah Thomas on piano, Ryoma Takenaga on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums. The group navigates Wilkins’ original compositions with a dynamic interplay, building on the improvisational traditions of the Village Vanguard. As Tina M. Campt writes in the album’s liner notes, the recording is a “practice of improvisational sounding, congregational listening, and devotional ritual.”
The Village Vanguard itself is a central character in this project. The club has a storied past, having hosted seminal performances by jazz giants like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dexter Gordon. Wilkins consciously engages with this legacy, aiming to “summon the Vanguard’s sonic history and make it audible,” as Campt describes. This isn’t merely about recording in a historic space, but about actively participating in its ongoing musical conversation.
“CHARANAM” – A Taste of What’s to Approach
The release of “CHARANAM,” originally from Alice Coltrane’s 1981 album Turiya Sings, provides a glimpse into the album’s aesthetic. The performance showcases the quartet’s sensitivity and depth, offering a devotional and emotionally resonant experience. Listeners can uncover the single now, signaling the official launch of this new chapter in Wilkins’ discography. The track is available via multiple platforms, including streaming services and digital retailers.
The choice of “CHARANAM” is particularly significant, given Alice Coltrane’s own spiritual and innovative approach to jazz. Wilkins’ interpretation honors Coltrane’s legacy while simultaneously asserting his own unique voice. This balance – reverence for the past and a commitment to forward-thinking improvisation – is a defining characteristic of Live At The Village Vanguard.
Continuing a Legacy
With Live At The Village Vanguard Vol. 1, Immanuel Wilkins joins a distinguished lineage of jazz musicians who have captured the magic of this iconic venue. The album is poised to grow a significant addition to the Village Vanguard’s already impressive catalog of live recordings. The project’s multi-volume format suggests a comprehensive and immersive listening experience, offering fans a detailed portrait of the quartet’s artistry. Further details about Volumes 2 and 3, including tracklists and specific musical explorations, are expected in the coming months.
The release of Live At The Village Vanguard Vol. 1 on March 20th is a key date for jazz enthusiasts. The album promises not only a captivating musical experience but too a thoughtful engagement with the history and spirit of one of jazz’s most important venues.
What will be particularly intriguing to observe is how the subsequent volumes build upon the foundation laid by Vol. 1, and how Wilkins continues to explore the sonic possibilities of the Village Vanguard. Share your thoughts on the album and the legacy of the Village Vanguard in the comments below.