27 Jul
In Flux by Ravi Coltrane
- Written by Richard Bourcier
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The second son of John and Alice Coltrane initially studied clarinet and was influenced by a wide spectrum of music. At home, he heard his parents’ recordings, classical music and his own leanings toward the pop music of the period. He enjoyed the Motown sound, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone. It wasn’t until his late teen years that jazz became an important part of his development. He studied at the California Institute For The Arts and latched on to the saxophone. By the 90’s, he was performing with Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Joe Lovano, Jack DeJohnette, Joanne Brackeen and others. He recorded prolifically as a sideman, turning up on more than thirty sessions and then his own debut as leader in 1997. In 2002, Coltrane launched his own record label and also acted as a producer for Verve handling the production of their deluxe package of A Love Supreme and the boxed set Legacy. In Flux finds Ravi Coltrane in the company of pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Drew Gress and drummer EJ Strickland. With the exception of Wayne Shorter’s United, all tunes were penned by Coltrane and members of the group. Bassist, Drew Gress wrote the beautiful Away and it’s destined to become a jazz standard in this writer’s humble opinion. Special guest Luisito Quintero appears on Blending Times lending percussive interest to Coltrane’s composition. Pianist Luis Perdomo and EJ Strickland are outstanding on Dear Alice, Coltrane’s tribute to his mother. In Flux is a fine performance and deserves your attention.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Ravi Coltrane
- CD Title: In Flux
- Genre: Contemporary Jazz / Modern
- Year Released: 2004
- Record Label: Savoy
- Tracks: The Message Part I, Coincide, Variations III, Away, Leaving Avignon, Blending Times, Dear Alice, Angular Realms, Scram Vamp, Variations I, United, For Zoe
- Musicians: Ravi Coltrane (tenor and soprano sax), Luis Perdomo (piano), Drew Gress (bass), EJ Strickland (drums), Luisito Quintero (percussion)
- Label Website: http://www.savoyjazz.com
- Rating: Four Stars
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Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
