IZE TRIO

THE GLOBAL SUITES

Independent Label

Chase Morrin, piano/composer; George Lernis, percussion; Naseem Alatrash, cello. SPECIAL GUESTS: John Patitucci, bass; Farayi Malek & Heiraza, voice.

The core of the Ize Trio (a Boston-based collective), is to combine jazz and Middle Eastern music. Chase Morrin, a San Diego native, brings his classical and very lyrical style to the piano. Add to that the provocative cello talents of Naseem Alatrash, who has Palestinian roots, along with the tasty percussion licks of Cyprus-born George Lernis and you have an inspired, unique trio. This is their debut album.

Morrin, Lernis and Alatrash met in Boston as students at Berklee Global Jazz Institute, working on master’s degrees.  This Global jazz Institute encouraged them to explore musical multiculturalism and social activism. Their concept for The Global Suites began during the COVID pandemic shutdown. The three musicians had already established a friendship. When finding themselves locked in their dormitory rooms (for safety’s sake), they continued their trio venture remotely.  This album features four expansive suites of music.  Each suite represents a social issue.

The first movement, “Break G4S” focuses on Capitalism.  This part of the suite represents the global military-industrial complex, starting with “The Machine” as movement one.  They use dissonance to represent chaos and employ different keys and polyphony to show the churn of a sometimes-chaotic system of government.

In Part 2, “Echoes on the Wall” begins with a haunting cello solo.  The trio says it is meant to symbolize those silenced by the pressures that grow from an inequitable system. Counter melodies and piano synergy enter to represent the questions in the minds of society.

Movement #2 is titled “Resurrecting the Amber Sky.” It’s a very beautiful piece of music that incorporates the gorgeous voice of guest artist, Farayi Malek. She sometimes sings in unison with the cello, creating a warm and emotional arrangement. This music made me feel peaceful, like relaxing in my favorite lounge chair. Chase Morrin is magnificent on piano. He has written all these compositions.  The first tune of this movement, “Present” is one of my favorites of their project. John Patitucci adds his awesome bass talent to this arrangement.

The sound textures, multi-cultures, and revolutionary spirit of this project makes each movement a new adventure.  The thought of finding such beauty and innovation, using a trio of piano, percussion and cello, is quite unique and surprising. Every movement is a breath of fresh air, blowing through the windows of the world. The Ize Trio opens my awareness to promise and possibility.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil S

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