These are the principals at the core of the Ize Trio, improvise, humanize, harmonize, and empathize.
Self-released
Chase Morrin – Piano & Composition; George Lernis – Percussion; Naseem Alatrash – Cello; John Patitucci – Bass; Farayl Malek and Heiraza – Vocals
Ize Trio is a Boston-based trio redefining the traditional jazz piano trio sound. THE GLOBAL SUITES comprises California pianist Chase Morrin, George Lernis, a percussionist from Cyprus, and Palestinian cellist Naseem Alatrash. They blend the American art form of jazz with Middle Eastern music, promoting a mission focused on social good.
The members of the Ize Trio met at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, an institution dedicated to nurturing creativity and musicianship across various musical disciplines while also promoting humanitarian work through music.
There are four parts to THE GLOBAL SUITES, each addressing a fundamental social issue, inclusivity, immigration, environmentalism, and education.
The first suite, ‘Break G4S’, delves into one of the darker parts of our capitalist society, the global military-industrial complex. The trio navigate their way through dissonance and harmony on ’The Machine.’ The cello and the percussion evoke a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor, while the piano contributes a melodic touch with a distinctly Western sound.
The percussion on ‘Echoes on the Wall’ sounds as if someone is trying to break free. Alatrash’s cello solo is mournful, symbolizing those silenced by an inequitable system. At first Morrin’s piano echoes Lernis’s percussion, but then transitions into a lovely classical melody.
‘Let Us Out’ is a dedication to protesters and activists who ignite movements and social change. The piece is upbeat, with the piano and cello trading phrases back and forth. It sounds like Lernis is using his hands to strike the drum head.
‘Home’ begins with Alatrash performing a beautiful cello taqsim, where another instrument supports the main melody by playing a drone in the background. The song concludes with piano phrases reminiscent of a lullaby. ‘Home’ is part of the ‘All Loved’ suite which pays homage to immigrants who have had to uproot their sense of home.
There is a vibrant interplay in ‘Present,’ part of the ‘Resurrecting the Amber Sky’ suite. Guest bassist John Patitucci blends seamlessly with the Ize Trio. Farayi Malek and Heiraza’s wordless vocals enrich the trio’s sound beautifully.
‘Code Switching’ from the ‘Elemeno’ suite is one of the more straight ahead jazz sounding tunes. Patitucci’s bass helps ensure that.
These are the principals at the core of the Ize Trio, improvise, humanize, harmonize, and empathize.
