About

Chicago-based innovator and educator Isaiah Collier is opening up new dimensions in the jazzwise continuum. A saxophonist by trade whose multi-instrumental talents and compositional prowess have stretched the limits of the form, "Parallel Universe" represents a new chapter in Collier’s musical journey. Recorded in single-take live performances, he deftly throws funk, gospel, soul and his own fine voice into the mix. 

Name-checking Sun Ra, Ras G, J Dilla, Fela Kuti, Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron, Whitney Huston, Aaliyah and Frankie Knuckles, the opening track of "Parallel Universe" imagines a genreless musical lineage that resonates with the polyphony of stories his band bring to the table, from Chicago and beyond. Featuring gospel soul singer Jimetta Rose, AACM and former Art Ensemble of Chicago trumpet player Corey Wilkes, blues-rooted guitarist Michael Damani, regular collaborators Julian Davis Reid, James Russell Sims and Micah Collier, the 8-track album bristles with a sense of love and understanding between players at the top of their game.

“Give me that feeling that makes me feel like I’m alive,” Collier enthuses. “People can tell when you’re taking chances. I know that’s what everybody is looking for.” — (via Bandcamp)

↓
Label: Night Dreamer
Format: 2x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: Nov 24, 2023
Genre: Jazz, Folk, World
Style: Soul-Jazz, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Fusion, Afrobeat, Gospel, Modal
⦿

File under: Modern / Future Jazz