I had never heard of Isaiah Collier, but one of the jazz feeds I follow on Instagram posted his Top Ten Jazz Records of 2024, and Collier's "Parallel Universe" led the way, so I gave it a spin.
The first track was almost a dealbreaker. Titled "Eggun," it is a 4 minute, Marvin Gaye groove that has a distracting recitation singing praise to the inspiring artists that are no longer with us. Is it jazz? I didn't think so. But I pressed on and what followed were back to back excellent performances that were right in my wheelhouse. "Village Song" and "Retreat" are here for your possible enjoyment. Are these jazz? Moreso than the opening track and closer to the tracks that followed, which run the gamut from avant-garde to soul.
Some half-assed researched took me to Chicago, where Collier began playing sax with Ernest Dawkins, someone who I am familiar with and who I've listened to while my friend Maurice Brown was part of his ensemble. "Parallel Universe" is Collier's fourth as a leader and it kept my ears glued to the speakers for the entire set. Vocalist Jimetta Rose is featured on most of it, and she uses her voice mostly as another instrument in the band. When it works, it works wonders. Occasionally, it grates, but not enough to ruin what is a really terrific record. Maybe you'll find something you like. I sure did.
I've also included the title track, which may be your dealbreaker, but I found it incredibly compelling and exciting.
5 comments:
I'm no jazzbo, but in Village Song (right down to that title) I'm hearing a take on the 60s exotica that seemed a genre unto itself; the evolving into the 60s flutey jazz at about 6:15 kept the 60s vibe going. And retreat was a fine funky li'l workout.
C in California
New to me - thanks, Sal!
Diving in.
Back from a winter trip. I like Retreat a lot. Village Song's mix of influences from West Africa, Brazil, and Haiti are well done, but overall the song is too long. Will give the rest of it a few spins.
- Paul in DK
Interesting sounds - thank you for the Heads-up...
Post a Comment