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Ravi Coltrane: Blending Times
ByThis is his fifth release as a leader following 2005's acclaimed In Flux (Savoy). It is even more dynamic due in part not only to Coltrane's personal experiences, but also because of his excellent band that includes longtime members Luis Perdomo, a remarkable pianist, Drew Gress, a demonstrative in-demand bassist, and E.J. Strickland, a gifted drummer who is also the twin brother of saxophonist Marcus Strickland.
Coltrane's tenor is more robust than evermarked by quickness, stamina, and warmthshowing glimpses of true brilliance on "A Still Life" with inquisitive soloing that has equal amounts of power and gentleness. The appropriate titled "Shine" shows stylistic propertiesdeliberate, passionate, freely expressed within an enlightening melody where the solos are connected like links in a chain.
The music follows the band's form: a gelatinous continuity conveyed in a mix of stirring contemporary music. Improvisational puzzles ("First Circuit" and "The Last Circuit"), some tricked funk syncopation in "Narcined," a circuitous cat-and-mouse chase in "One Wheeler Will," and swinging bopacity in Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy." One of the many highlights is "Amalgams," which moves from atmospheric lushness into a smoldering groove. It articulates an identifiable group sound with sparkling individualism that documents a strong performing unit.
As in his previous recordings, there lies a cerebral quality in the music that is undeniable. This reaches an apex on the recording's final track with "For Turiya," a superb ending featuring special guests, longtime friend/bassist Charlie Haden and harpist Brandee Younger.
Written by Haden, the composition begins with a simply beautiful harp solo by Younger which introduces the theme, followed by declarative statements from Haden and Coltrane. It conjures memories of classic recordings that featured both Alice Coltrane's harp and John Coltrane's saxophone with gracefulness and serenity.
Coltrane can't deny his rich heritage and thankfully embraces it. But of equal import, he clearly has it within, to leave his own imprint, as witnessed on this superb release.
Track Listing
Shine; First Circuit; A Still Life; Epistrophy; Amalgams; Narcined; One Wheeler Will; The Last Circuit; Before with After; For Turiya.
Personnel
Ravi Coltrane
saxophone, tenorRavi Coltrane: tenor saxophone; Luis Perdomo: piano; Drew Gress: acoustic bass; E. J. Strickland: drums; Charlie Haden: bass (10); Brandee Younger: harp (10).
Album information
Title: Blending Times | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Savoy Jazz
Comments
About Ravi Coltrane
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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