Isaiah Collier + The Chosen Few

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Learn more

Out of the vibrant Chicago scene, twenty-five year old multi-instrumentalist, composer, curator, activist and educator Isaiah Collier is a musical virtuoso in the truest sense of the phrase. He began playing saxophone at age 11, and his intuitive proficiency earned him attention early on. Ever since, his band Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few has been turning ears around the globe.

Isaiah Collier has made a name for himself most notably as a saxophone player, drummer and vocalist. In addition to leading his own project, he is a key part of Angel Bat Dawid’s Brotherhood and has shared the stage with artists like Chance The Rapper, Lewis Nash, Waddada Leo Smith III, Junius Paul, Rene Marie and many more. He has notably performed at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, The White House, The US Embassy and various jazz festivals and venues around the world.

Collier's sound and approach are drawn from the influence of master saxophonists such as John Coltrane, Roscoe Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Ari Brown, and Gene Ammons. His playing 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; you can’t really put a time or destination on it.” As far as he where he plans to take his music, Collier says, “I reach backwards, and forwards simultaneously when creating art and what is ahead of me is the past.”

Collier has released four albums to date, Parallel Universe (2023) I AM BEYOND (2022), Cosmic Transitions (2021), and Return of the Black Emperor (2018).

Cosmic Transitions earned a five star review from Downbeat and multiple Album of the year mentions. The powerful suite was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary Studio on Coltrane’s birthday, using some of the same analog equipment that was used for the original recording session of A Love Supreme. It not only showcases Collier’s extensive musical range and expressive talent, but achieves to honour the tradition in which it inscribes itself while remaining decisively forward-looking.

“5 stars for Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few: Cosmic Transitions (2021). This offering is the third from the Chicago-based saxophonist, who at the age of 23 has transcended the realm of prodigy. It is not his age that shocks. It is what he’s playing.” – Joshua Myers, Downbeat Magazine

"(Isaiah) has established himself as an heir apparent to both the Chicago lineage and the post-Coltrane sax tradition” – Giovanni Russonello, New York Times

About INGIA

Joyce German is a talented South Sudanese Canadian jazz saxophonist and vocalist known for her unique fusion of African influences and jazz—a rising star in Winnipeg's vibrant jazz scene. Joyce has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and original compositions that incorporate South Sudanese traditional songs. She collaborates with various bands in the city, showcasing her impressive skills as a musician. Not only is she a great saxophonist, but her captivating voice sets her apart from other musicians in the scene. Joyce deeply appreciates the rich cultural history and art form that is jazz and brings her unique perspective to the genre. She is passionate about promoting African music, especially her South Sudanese roots.

INGIA is Joyce's middle name and represents her essence and where she comes from. The name is also her grandmother's name, which means joy. As a stage name, INGIA incorporates African music influences, focusing on South Sudanese music and R&B, gospel, hip hop, and jazz. INGIA is an acronym that stands for Intention, Nurture, Gratitude, Inspiration, and Amplify. These values are at the core of Joyce's music, intentionally created to nurture others, express gratitude, inspire, and amplify African and Black American music and people. Joyce is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. Keep an eye out for this young and talented jazz musician as she continues to make her mark.