wo years after his acclaimed debut "Omega", released on the famous Blue Note label and named "Best Jazz Album of 2020" by the New York Times, Immanuel Wilkins follows it up with his second album in 2022

"The 7th Hand" features the alto saxophonist, who grew up in Philadelphia, along with Micah Thomas on piano, Daryl Johns on bass and Kweku Sumbry on drums. It's a remarkable quartet. The album also features guest appearances by flutist Elena Pinderhughes and the Farafina Kan Percussion Ensemble.

"The 7th Hand" is an approximately one-hour suite consisting of seven movements. The title derives from a question steeped in biblical symbolism: if the number six represents the extent of human possibility, Wilkins wondered what it would sound like if he invoked divine intervention and allowed that seventh element to take possession of his quartet. "It's the idea of being a conduit for the music, as a higher power that actually influences what we play," says Immanuel Wilkins.