Ambrose Akinmusire

In the mid-2000s, Ambrose Akinmusire was a student at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. He returns to the organization, now known as the Hancock Institute, as Artistic Director.

WRTI's Josh Jackson is your host at City Winery Philadelphia on Wednesday, September 21st at 8 PM when he'll have the pleasure of introducing the 2021 Grammy-nominated trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire.

The lauded trumpeter was attending eighth grade in Oakland when he saw a certain pillar of the avant-garde play live. Some 25 years later, the connection between then and now is stronger than ever.

One of the most talked-about names in jazz, the 32-year-old trumpeter is more auteur than star. In an extended interview, he explains why it's crucial to let his collaborators think for themselves.