In this episode, I’m thrilled to share my interview with the brilliant Immanuel Wilkins, recorded at this year’s Mantova Jazz 2025.
I’ll confess: until recently, I didn’t realise that in my hometown of Mantova, there is such a rich, long-running jazz tradition.
I was pleased to learn that the festival heard about casually is one of the key reference points for jazz lovers in Europe.
And now, knowing that the Mantova Jazz Festival, Roberto Chiozzini has been celebrating jazz for decades right here, I’m keen on sharing more about it with you.
A bit of history: Mantova Jazz
The Mantova Jazz was launched back in 1981, borne out of a collaboration between the local associations ARCI Provincia di Mantova and the Circolo del Jazz “Roberto Chiozzini”.
Early editions of the festival saw courageous programming: for example, it balanced experimental jazz with more accessible jazz musically.
Over the years, it has become a trusted platform for bringing some of the greatest names in US and European jazz to Mantova, like Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, and many others.
Each year, the festival has a thematic focus, and it is this thoughtful framing which gives the event more than just concerts; it becomes an invitation for reflection and learning.
Additionally, the festival has a strong educational and community dimension: for example, it offers master-classes, workshops, and has a “young jazz” segment for up-and-coming musicians.
Mantova Jazz 2025 – Swingin’ for Peace
This year’s edition runs from 2 to 22 November 2025.
The chosen slogan is “Swingin’ for Peace – se vogliamo la pace continuiamo a ‘swingare’” referencing the great Duke Ellington’s 1931 phrase:
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”.
Here’s the concept: swing not just as rhythm, but as a universal language of connection and cultural exchange, responding to a world of divisions.
The programming is really worth enjoying.
Four major concerts featuring international maestros, including pianists, Latin-American voices, and the New York jazz scene’s rising star, Immanuel Wilkins.
The lineup includes:
- Sunday 2 Nov – Immanuel Wilkins, “Blues Blood” at Auditorium Monteverdi, Mantova.
- Saturday 8 Nov – Danilo Pérez with John Patitucci & Adam Cruz.
- Wednesday 12 Nov – Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Hamilton de Holanda duo.
- Saturday 22 Nov – Shai Maestro solo.
For local jazz lovers, it’s a wonderful reminder: jazz is alive here, it’s present and global.
Immanuel Wilkins & Blues Blood at Mantova Jazz
The opening concert of this year’s festival featured Immanuel Wilkins with his project Blues Blood.
On stage:
- Immanuel Wilkins – alto sax
- Micah Thomas – piano
- Ryoma Takenaga – bass
- Kweku Sumbry – drums
- Yaw Agyeman – voice
- June McDoom – voice
- Malaya – voice
Blues Blood is a powerfully evocative title.
A quote from African-American Daniel Hamm, a member of the Harlem Six, who once described the injuries he sustained during a prison guard beating and accidentally said “blues” instead of “bruise.”
That single word slip speaks volumes.
It connects to the emotional history of the African diaspora, especially in the United States, where the “blues” has always been both a lament and a means of healing.
Blues Blood is a musical message.
A journey that leads listeners through the dark corners of injustice and the collective memory of struggle and resilience.
And I can honestly say, the performance reflected all of that intensity.
The musicians on stage were deeply attuned to one another, constantly interacting and exchanging energy.
It was an hour and a half of almost continuous flow.
Moments of explosive improvisation intertwined with stretches of deep reflection.
Before the show, I also had the chance to sit down with Immanuel.
In conversation with Immanuel Wilkins
Immanuel is one of the most distinctive voices in today’s jazz scene.
In our conversation, we dive into the heart of the creative process.
The tension between concept and creation, and what it means to trust your ideas before the music exists.
Immanuel shares how his album The 7th Hand began as a pure concept, and how he learned to move from theory into sound, from uncertainty into faith.
Whether you’re an independent artist or musician walking your own creative path, this conversation is an invitation to reflect on how you relate to your ideas, and how to keep trusting your process, even when you’re not sure if it works.
Hope you’ll enjoy Immanuel’s reflections as much as I did!
In addition, read this blog article: How Clarity & Direction Fuel Your Music Career
Table of Contents
03:49 Finding the balance between concept and intuition
09:07 When the idea takes the lead over the practice
11:42 Creating music in service of something bigger
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