Upper Darby fetes Grammy-nominated musician Immanuel Wilkins
When the 68th annual Grammy Awards are broadcast live on Feb. 1, residents of Upper Darby will have an important reason to tune in — other than assessing who was best dressed.
That’s because Upper Darby native Immanuel Wilkins — a renowned saxophonist and composer — is hoping to receive the coveted golden gramophone for his album “Blues Blood.” The work, which is nominated for Best Alternative Jazz Album, is described as “a meditative offering about the legacies of our ancestors and the bloodlines connecting us.”
Wilkins was also nominated for Best Jazz Performance of his song “Noble Rise.” For the 67th annual Grammy Awards, his work “Beyond This Place” was nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album but did not win.
During Upper Darby Township’s Dec. 17 council meeting, Mayor Ed Brown heaped praise on Wilkins for his latest nominations and declared Feb. 1 as “Immanuel Wilkins Day.”
Brown said Wilkins is a “talented musician, composer and Upper Darby High School alumnus whose work continues to inspire audiences across the country — from his early musical beginnings in church, to his dedication as a young saxophonist, to the stages he now commands worldwide.”
According to Brown, Wilkins’ music “speaks to history, emotion and the human experience, and it reflects the creativity and resilience that defines our township.” Added Brown: “His success reminds us that excellence can grow right here in Upper Darby and that our community continues to help shape the next generation of great artists.”
Wilkins was present at the meeting to acknowledge the honor.
The “Blues Blood” album was co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and features the three other members of Wilkins’ quartet: Micah Thomas on piano, Rick Rosato on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. Vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ganavya, June McDoom and Yaw Agyeman are also featured.
