Customer Reviews

Blending Times

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album while having many sections that could be described as out there, has many moments that shine brightly or otherworldly. The tracks "Shine", "Episthrophy", and "For Turiya" stand out to me. Shine has many beautiful piano sections complemented by Ravi wonderful tone. Ravi does a very hip interpretation of Thelonious Monk's Episthrophy. He hits it hard with a sound resembling that of his father's middle period. He works the changes masterfully. For Turiya, brings hauntingly beautiful religious tones to this album. The mixture of the harp, Charlie Haden's bass and Ravi's tenor sax is otherworldly. This is one of the best jazz albums of 2009.

Ravi Coltrane is an excellent tenor saxophonist and bandleader. His quartet has matured like fine wine. After years of working together, they understand each other very well, and this quality is audibly evident in this latest recording. Coltrane's choice of the harpist, Brandee Younger and bassist, Charlie Haden on 'For Turiya' is a wonderful tribute to his beautiful mother Alice Coltrane.'One Wheeler Will' is a loving tribute to his son, William. "Blending Times" follows "In Flux" in Ravi's own tradition of creating great jazz music and belongs in the recording collection of the connoiseur.

For some reason, the releases seem to come out infrequently and long after the performances with Ravi. This one sparkles, performancewise, and the audio quality is 5 stars too, though no information is given regarding the equipment used or the engineering. Especially compelling is the work by Luis Perdomo. It is thoughtful and creative. As a longtime listener to Trane, and all of the tribute records about him, I have to say that I think Ravi's sound is more musical that his father's. For lack of a better term, it is "prettier". It flows and glows, to me at least. He may never be regarded as his father or Wayne Shorter for his composing, although the compositions here, especially For Turiya and Narcined, are very beautiful. I had the chance to see the Ravi and the Blue Note 7 recently, and meet Ravi backstage. He is a gentlemen, as well as a great player. Go see them if you get the chance, and buy this CD. And his work on Alice Coltrane's "Translinear Light" from several years ago is very fine as well. Buy it too!

Ravi's "2009" recording! Actually, it was recorded throughout 2006, 2007, & 2008. Still, Ravi makes a powerful statement that MUST BE HEARD! Ravi plays with only the best musicians "on the planet": Luis Perdomo, piano; Drew Gress, bass; E.J. Strickland, drums & on track 10: Charlie Haden, bass & Brandee Younger, harp.
This CD will leave you begging for more! So... check out this other CD by Ravi: Moving Pictures.

What this musician creates, reaches deep into you. I haven't been moved so deeply by music in a long time. This compilation takes you on an adventure. Let me save you some time, go straight to "Turiya" and select auto-replay. Have some tissues handy, for the love and loss that will vibrate in the core of your bones.

Just like his Dad, Ravi does not disappoint. Its been a long time since his previous release "In Flux" and it has been worth the wait!