Isaiah Collier – Parallel Universe 2LP

Description

Multi-instrumentalist and composerIsaiah Collierconnects with the divine ancestors on a transcendent direct-to-disc session,Parallel Universe. A saxophonist by trade whose multi-instrumental talents and compositional prowess have stretched the limits of the form,Parallel Universerepresents a new chapter in Collier’s musical journey. Having already performed with a diverse range of musicians such asChance The Rapper,Waddada Leo Smith, Chicago jazz royaltyAngel Bat Dawidand his own bandThe Chosen Few, Collier’s latest work as a bandleader explores the shared musical heritage of the African diaspora with a sense of grace and assurance that belies his years. Embracing the risk and vulnerability that comes with the live process, Collier and his band tapped into the frequencies of improvisation that fired up so many of the most timeless jazz recordings. Name-checkingSun Ra,Ras G,J Dilla,Fela Kuti,Miles Davis,Gil ScottHeron,Whitney Huston,Aaliyah, andFrankie Knuckles, the opening track ofParallel Universeimagines a genreless musical lineage that resonates with the polyphony of stories his band bring to the table, from Chicago and beyond. Featuring gospel soul singerJimetta Rose,AACM, and formerArt Ensemble of Chicagotrumpet playerCorey Wilkes, blues-rooted guitaristMichael Damani, regular collaboratorsJulian Davis Reid,James Russell Sims, andMicah Collier, the eight-track album bristles with a sense of love and understanding between players at the top of their game. With vocals sung in Yoruba — inspired by a gift from legendary saxophonistKenny Garrett— “Village Song” soars between rhythms and references, from Afro-Cuban syncopation to the deep triplet swing of mid-’60sColtrane. Laying the foundations for the album as a whole, the result is truly exhilarating.