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
The World is On Fire takes an outward look into society and reverberates with the zeitgeist of today’s uproarious socio-political landscape.
The World is on Fire is Collier’s observation journal reflecting on the tumultuous period from before the pandemic to the present day. The title itself wields his lens on vile acts committed by those in power addressing themes of economic upheaval, systemic racism, and the relentless fight for justice. The potency of Collier’s compositions is reinforced by utilizing harrowing real-life news clips throughout the album that emits the urgency, somberness, and turmoil during this time in history as the album as a whole serves as a requiem for countless lives lost and injustices that remain unacknowledged. It pays tribute to individuals like Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Sonya Massey, among many others, whose stories have often been overshadowed.
“This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time,” says Collier, “Through my music, I strive to capture and personify the profound impact of the challenges we face.”
Joined by Julian Davis Reid on piano, Jeremiah Hunt on bass, and Michael Ode on drums on their final release as this iteration of The Chosen Few, the album’s 10 tracks emit a clarion call for awareness on the pressing issues of our times. The lead track “The Time is Now” signals the siren of this critical state of urgency with its fervent tempo, Reid’s focused keyboard strides and Collier’s focused immediacy on tenor. “Our future hinges on our response to the call for change. The story of our era is being written now, and it's up to us to shape it positively,” he proclaims.
“Trials and Tribulations” begins with an audio clip of a news reporter from the April 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old boy who was shot twice after knocking on the wrong door to pick up his twin brothers. As Reid's anguished piano lays the foundation beneath the clip, the question "Do you think if he was a white 16-year-old boy who rang that door... do you think it would have been the same outcome?" transitions seamlessly into Collier's doleful alto melody. This passage encapsulates the enduring struggles within the Black experience that permeate throughout the album and poignantly highlight critical societal issues such as systemic racism, legislative hurdles, and continuous debates around affirmative action—each a stark reminder for the ongoing battle for justice.
“Amerikkka the Ugly” is ushered in by audio of Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson, who headed the January 6th Committee. Thompson sharply rebukes Former President Donald Trump for inciting a deadly insurrection and disregarding democracy. With special guest Kenthaney Redmond at the helm on flute playing reflective, arpeggiated lines, he echoes Thompson’s sentiments critiquing the disparity between the idealized version of American and its historical and contemporary realities.
Inspired by the tragic video of Ahmaud Arbery’s death in February 2020, the namesake track [“Ahmaud Arbery”] captures the profound sorrow and vulnerability that such injustices invoke. Arbery was murdered by three white men in a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in his neighborhood in suburban Georgia. The track is a mournful reflection on the loss of life over something as ordinary as jogging.
Collier & The Chosen Few’s global perspective extends to regions like the Congo, Kenya, Sudan, Palestine, Ukraine, and Lebanon, reflecting the universal struggle against oppression and conflict. “The Hate You Give is the Love You Lose” contemplates the broader suffering caused by genocide and economic collapse. A staple in his live performances in recent years and showcasing the talents of all four members transitioning between a boisterous A section and tempered, pensive B section. Continuing the theme of global impact, “Crash” begins an introduction of free-flowing drum rolls, arco bass, and tremolo piano for Collier’s tenor to soar over reflecting on the subtle, yet profound impacts of economic collapse. It’s an exploration of how such crises often start imperceptibly before making a significant impact on everyday lives.
Collier’s respect of his elders, jazz greats, and tradition has always coursed through his musical DNA as he accepts the responsibility and empowerment of having his own voice and building upon the bricks that Coltrane, Pharaoh, Sun Ra, and beyond have laid down. “Metamorphosis” is inspired by Wayne Shorter’s last quartet as it contemplates the transition from old leadership to new contrasting past pandemic experiences with our current state of near-normalcy highlighting the evolving nature of our interactions. The title track “The World is On Fire” was composed during Collier’s time as a fellow at the Brubeck Institute and was inspired by the Amazon wildfires and the protests following George Floyd’s death embodying the duality of impact literal and symbolic fires have had on our recent history.
The closing track “We Don’t Even Know Where We’re Heading” reflects on the collective uncertainty of the future. With lyrics by Kennedy Banks (Battle) and an augmented ensemble featuring Kentheny Redmond on flute and guest vocalists Manasseh Croft, Kiela Adira, Jessica Walton, and Meghan NcNeil, Collier once again closes out a record displaying his larger ensemble compositional prowess as joining the chorus of vocalists offering a glimmer of hope and direction amidst the chaos.
The World is On Fire is more than a collection of songs—it’s a passionate plea for awareness, understanding, and change. Through the journey of sound and reflection, Collier urges us all to play a role in crafting a more just and equitable world.
Cassie Watson Francillon - Harp
“The record addresses the uncertainty of our future—both individually and collectively. We stand on the precipice of an unknown journey, and my goal is to find inspiration and insight into where we might be headed. This journey encompasses mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional transformation, driven by a burning passion to foster a better world.”