Jazz Concert in Albuquerque Honoring Miles Davis' 100th Anniversary

A one (1) night jazz concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth, honoring his profound influence on jazz music worldwide.  The concert will feature multiple jazz ensembles, each interpreting a different era of Miles Davis’ vast innovative career. 

Corey Wilkes and Band

The Corey Wilkes Quartet: Where Jazz Royalty Meets Modern Innovation

Have you ever heard a trumpet sound that gave you chills?

That is what happens when Corey Wilkes plays. He is one of those rare artists who can stop a room with a single note. And his band, The Corey Wilkes Quartet, is something you need to know about.

So let’s explore here more about him, about his band and much more.

Who Is Corey Wilkes?

Before you understand the quartet, you need to know the man leading it.

Corey Wilkes grew up in Chicago, a city famous for its deep jazz roots. He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. That alone tells you he had serious talent from the start.

But his big break came when he was chosen to join the Art Ensemble of Chicago. This was a legendary group that changed the sound of jazz. The trumpet spot before Wilkes was held by none other than Lester Bowie, a true giant. Taking over that role was a huge deal. It was like being asked to play guitar for the Rolling Stones after Keith Richards. Wilkes did not just fill the shoes – he made the role his own.

Since then, he has built an impressive career. He has been nominated for a Grammy. He won an Emmy for composing music for a documentary. And he spent six seasons acting on Empire, showing the world that his talents go far beyond music.

Corey Wilkes Jazz Concert

Meet The Corey Wilkes Quartet

A quartet, as you probably know, means four musicians. But with The Corey Wilkes Quartet, these four create a sound that feels much bigger.

  • Corey Wilkes on trumpet
  • Justin Dillard on keys
  • Junius Paul on bass
  • Jeremiah Collier on drums

Each of these musicians brings something unique to the table. Together, they create music that flows between different moods. One moment you might hear a classic jazz melody that feels like it belongs in the 1950s. The next moment, electronic beats and soulful chords take over, pulling you into something completely modern.

That mix is what makes them stand out. They respect jazz tradition, but they are not trapped by it. They know how to honor the past while keeping their eyes firmly on the future

Highlights of The Corey Wilkes Quartet

  1. Grammy-Nominated & Emmy-Winning: Leader Corey Wilkes brings award-winning excellence to every performance.
  2. Beyond the Stage: Wilkes is also an actor known for his six-season role on the hit TV show Empire.
  3. Chicago Jazz Royalty: He carried the legacy of legendary trumpeter Lester Bowie in the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
  4. Genre-Blending Sound: Their unique style of “electro-acoustic soul” mixes jazz, electronic music, and soulful melodies.
  5. Creative Freedom: As members of the AACM, they experiment and push boundaries while keeping the groove alive.

Why You Should Listen to Them

Maybe you are wondering why this matters to you. Here are a few reasons why The Corey Wilkes Quartet deserves your time and attention:

1. It Feels Real

In a world full of auto-tuned voices and computer-generated beats, hearing a live trumpet played with raw emotion is refreshing. Corey Wilkes has been captivating audiences around the world with his mesmerizing trumpet playing. When you listen, you are hearing a real human being pour his heart into every note. It reminds you what genuine creativity sounds like.

2. He Has Worked with Legends

This is not someone who just showed up yesterday. Wilkes has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and beyond, including the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Roy Hargrove, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. When you support his quartet, you are supporting an artist who has earned his place among legends.

3. He Is More Than a Musician

Did you know Corey Wilkes is also an actor? He appeared on the hit TV show Empire for six seasons. He has also worked with visual artists like Theaster Gates and Nick Cave, creating performances that blend music, art, and culture. So when you listen to his music, you are experiencing someone who thinks beyond just notes on a page.

4. He Mixes Old with New

Wilkes describes his style as “electro-acoustic soul.” That means he mixes jazz with electronic music and soulful vocals. He has even worked with famous House Music DJs like Ron Trent and Osunlade. He is not trying to make jazz a museum piece. Instead, he is showing you that jazz can be exciting, modern, and deeply personal.

5. Live Shows Are Magic

A recorded album is great, but watching them perform is something else entirely. When you see The Corey Wilkes Quartet live, you will witness four musicians listening to each other, responding in real time, creating something that will never happen exactly the same way again. That is the magic of jazz. And trust me, it is something you will not forget.

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The Corey Wilkes Quartet: A Perfect Fit for Your Miles Davis Tribute

Are you planning a special event to honor the legacy of Miles Davis? Look no further. The Corey Wilkes Quartet is an ideal choice to perform at your upcoming Miles Davis Tribute. With deep roots in jazz tradition and a fearless approach to innovation, they embody the same spirit that made Miles Davis a legend.

DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ®️: More Than Just Concerts

So how do you bring a band like this to your stage? That is where we come in. DSH ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ®️ is the team behind some of the most exciting live events in Albuquerque and beyond. From classic soul concerts to comedy shows and poetry events, we know how to put together a night you will not forget.

But here is what makes us truly special. We are not just about putting on great shows. We use the money from these events to do something amazing. We provide scholarships for students to attend the US Space & Rocket Center Space Camps and Aviation Camps. We also sponsor students for aviation programs and support Little League Baseball teams in the community.

Every concert, comedy show, and live performance we promote helps raise funds to introduce young students to careers in aviation and the aerospace industry. So when you book an artist through us, you are not just hosting a great event. You are also helping a kid take one step closer to their dreams.

To bring The Corey Wilkes Quartet or any other world-class talent to your stage, visit us at: bit.ly/DSHINCwebsite .