Album Review: Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few , The World is On Fire

 

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few

The World is On Fire (Division 81)

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few/Detroit Jazz Festival

-Originally published in The NYC Jazz Record-

“This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time,” band leader Isaiah Collier stated upon this album’s release, immediately threading him into the long, vital line of cultural work and cultural workers.

Opening with the roaring “The Time is Now”, the Chosen Few calls on the elders hovering constantly: listen for the bite and wonder of Horace Tapscott, Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders (particularly in the title cut), and Attica Blues-era Archie Shepp. The leader’s saxophones burst over the core ensemble of masterful pianist Julian Davis Reid, driving bassist Jeremiah Hunt and the artfully throbbing rhythmelodics of drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode.

Collier, who splits his time between Chicago and Brooklyn, has been heard with the likes of Wadada Leo Smith, James Carter and William Parker. But his Chosen Few, which has apparently, sadly, recorded its last album, severs and reimagines both genre and statement like a William Burroughs cut-up. With The World is on Fire, the music—consistently melodic and daring—can count news clippings of social injustices within its oeuvre. “Trials and Tribulations” and particularly “Amerikka the Ugly” are there to reignite jazz in a manner the 1970s loft musicians probably assumed would not be necessary today. The latter blends a magical blues progression captured in pianist Reid’s hands, with the leader’s soprano saxophone and flutists Kenthany Rodman and Mayshell Morris casting a travel visual against unthinkable weather. Speaking of unthinkable, the police killing of “Ahmaud Arbery”, so named for the victim, is featured with the leader’s alto saxophone thrust between the best of Coltrane’s classic quartet and that evening’s awful news. “The Hate You Give is the Love You Lose”, another necessary lesson on survival, is also a showcase for breathtaking pianistics. And in case anyone missed the demand for liberation, vocalists Manasseh Croft, Kiela Adira, Jessica Walton, Meghan McNeal lock it in. Add Corey Wilkes’ trumpet, Ed Wilkerson Jr’s alto clarinet, Cassie Watson Francillon’s harp, and Olula Negre’s cello in strategic spots and one cannot help becoming part of today’s social justice movement. Yes, it’s that time again, so why would anything stop you?

CREDITS

Isaiah Collier - (sax, vocals, auxiliary percussion)

Michael Shekwoaga Ode - (drums)

Julian Davis Reid - (piano)

Jeremiah Hunt - (bass)

Kenthany Rodman - (flute)

Mayshell Morris - (flute)

Corey Wilkes - (trumpet)

Ed Wilkerson Jr. - (alto clarinet)

Cassie Watson Francillon - (harp)

Olula Negre - (cello)

Vocals: Manasseh Croft, Kiela Adira, Jessica Walton, Meghan McNeal

 

A1. The Time Is Now

A2. Trials and Tribulations

A3. Amerikkka The Ugly

B1. Ahmaud Arbery

B2. The Hate You Give Is The Love You Lose

 C1. Crash

C2. Metamorphosis

D1. The World Is On Fire

D2. We Don't Even Know Where We're