Born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, multi-instrumentalist Isaiah Collier has been surrounded by music his entire life. His father, a piano player, and his mother, a vocalist — these were the first instruments that Isaiah learned. At the age of 11, he followed in his older brothers’ footsteps and picked up the saxophone, under the guidance of Julian Champion. Isaiah began performing as a young teenager in small clubs and lounges with his siblings and throughout the city with his parents standing by in support. In those beginning years, he would meet many of his mentors that would help him develop his technique and knowledge of the history of the music, which is a key aspect to not only his sound but his passion for the music he presents. Collier's sound and approach is drawn from the influences of other master saxophonists such as John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Gene Ammons, as well as two of his mentors Roscoe Mitchell and Ari Brown.
Since his teenage years, Collier’s musical gift has put him in rare spaces including performances at the White House with the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz. While part of the Monk Institute, Collier would record with the legendary Rudy Van Gelder at his studio with the Peer to Peer Jazz All-Star Quintet in 2016. He would return to the studio some years later in 2020 to record Cosmic Transitions (released 2021) with his quartet, Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few. This record released through independent label Division 81, would receive a rare 5-star review from Downbeat Magazine.
In 2022, Collier would go on the record a critically acclaimed duo project I AM Beyond with Drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode. This record showcases Collier’s versatility and ability to connect Free Jazz, with Modal, Funk and world sounds.
To further showcase is understanding of music as a universal language, Collier recorded Parallel Universe (2023) working with LA-based Vocalist Jimetta Rose. The album showcases his skills as a composer and arranger. Parallel Universe finds Collier embracing his multi-instrumentalist skillset as he flows effortlessly from keyboards, flute, saxophone, percussion, and vocals.
Collier has shared the stage with many musicians both locally and internationally, with Artists such as Chance The Rapper, Lewis Nash, Waddada Leo Smith III, Antonio Hart, Junius Paul, James Carter, Rene Marie, Carl Allen, Paul Rogers, Bennie Maupin, Rudy Van Gelder, Angel Bat Dawid and many more.
In addition, Collier has played at notable venues and festivals, such as The Jazz Showcase, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Lithuania Jazz Festival, The White House, Chicago Jazz Festival, New York Winter Jazz Festival, The Hyde Park Jazz Festivals, Sons D'hiver Festival (Paris), Logan Center, Frankfurt Jazz Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, The Harris Theatre, U.S. Embassy (Paraguay) as well as many other venues around the world in recent years.
Collier is also a former fellow of the prestigious Dave Brubeck Institute Stockton, CA.
His most well-known work is with his group Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, including their recent project The Unapologetic Negro (2019) and their first release Return of The Black Emperor (2017). They also received a five-star review from Downbeat Magazine on the project Cosmic Transitions, recorded at The Legendary Rudy Van Gelder's Studio (2020). Notable releases also include I AM Beyond (2021), Parallel Universe (2023), The Almighty (2024), and The World Is On Fire (2024).
At only 26 years old, Collier has made many waves in the world of music and is loaded with many new musical offerings for the years to come.
