With his first album Prelude...To Cora (2008) barely out Ambrose Akinmusire was already debuting at North Sea Jazz. The beginning of a fine tradition, as this is the eighth edition at which he is appearing. Every year, the lauded California trumpeter and composer adds new dimensions to his music – a consequence of his ever-restless search for new sounds. He incorporates hip-hop, pop, spoken word, and classical music into his poetic, visual sound. Like the Japanese art of paper folding referenced on his album Origami Harvest (2018), it’s as if Akinmusire is endlessly folding his works into and out of each other, revealing unknown layers time and again. This year, he’s bringing with him the groundbreaking New York ensemble Mivos String Quartet and experimental vocalist Kokayi. They also feature on Akinmusire’s latest album Honey From A Winter Stone (2025), which they are performing live this year.
