Isaiah Collier’s professional reputation proceeds. Described variously as a ‘shamanic saxophone prodigy,’ a ‘music virtuoso’ and a ‘once in a generation musician’, Isaiah Collier is a Grammy nominated artist, who calls himself a Sonic Scientist, Curator, Composer, Activist and Music Director.
Emerging from the vibrant Chicago Jazz Scene as a and multi-instrumentalist and notable Tenor Saxophonist, Isaiah is an heir apparent to a post Coltrane sax tradition.
Twenty-five-year-old Isaiah Collier and his band, The Chosen Few have been turning ears and are about to play Melbourne, as an Australian exclusive, at Bird’s Basement from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th April, 2024.
Isaiah Collier began playing saxophone at 11, and his intuitive proficiency earned him attention early in his career. Now on stage, he commands a regal presence and when not playing he is listening and waiting. Not contemplating his next move, but listening to the musicians who accompany him, listening to their stories. He explains that he’s never really hearing himself, he’s hearing other’s play and says; “Some people have fire, others have air. That’s how I hear, there has to be a balance.”
Isaiah Collier’s sound is a dynamic flurry of metaphors, yet he can hold back when necessary. He plays his influences, which he describes as a ‘sonic time machine and he says;
“I reach backwards and forwards simultaneously when creating art and what is ahead of me is the past.”
Following a release of his recording Cosmic Transitions with a 5-star review in downbeat Magazine, his profile has been rising with international tours and large festival bookings. His follow up recording, ‘I Am Beyond’, with drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode incorporates elements of free jazz, funk, and spiritual music, as does his latest recording, ‘Parallel Universe'(Night Dreamer) 2023.
Isaiah Collier has received nothing but applause applause from the critics, most notably, Downbeat Magazine, the gold standard in the Jazz world.
“5 stars for Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few. At the age of 23 has transcended the realm of prodigy. It is not his age that shocks, it is what he is playing,” Joshua Myers, Downbeat Magazine.
The intimacy of Bird’s Basement is a perfect venue for this great musician of our times. Book now.
The Riff on Bird’s Basement:
A hang out for international and local musicians and a remarkable coup for Australian jazz and music lovers, international jazz artist and entrepreneur, Albert Dadon, has established Bird’s Basement on the world stage.
Bird’s Basement showcase a diverse range of exceptional musicians from Australia and around the world, representing various genres of music. Situated at 11 Singers Lane, Bird’s Basement is an intimate music and dining venue, and a unique treat on the thriving local and international jazz scene.
