Tyreek McDole / Isaiah Collier

Terence Blanchard’s curated series dedicated to artists deserving wider recognition continues in February with a pair of young artists who are poised to reach stratospheric heights as rising masters — vocalist Tyreek McDole and saxophonist Isaiah Collier.  

Winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Florida-reared vocalist Tyreek McDole has earned his reputation as “a standout in the next generation of great jazz singers” (WBGO). His 2025 debut release for Artworks Records, Open Up Your Senses, features bold interpretations over its thirteen tracks ranging from a romantic approach to the 1933 Jerry Levinson standard “Under a Blanket of Blue” to an adventurous take on Pharoah Sanders’ “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” signaling McDole’s commitment to both jazz tradition and innovation.  

An explosive young saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Isaiah Collier is a self-described “sonic scientist” at the forefront of the vibrantly creative Chicago scene. He's captured rapturous acclaim and a fervent following since the bow of his 2018 debut Return of the Black Emperor and has collaborated with legends including Wadada Leo Smith, channeling the churning, relentless energy of his hometown forebears the AACM and Art Ensemble of Chicago. His newest Division 81 recording, The Almighty, features appearances by fellow Chicago luminaries Corey Wilkes on trumpet and Fred Jackson Jr. on alto saxophone.