Customer Reviews

In Flux

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Probably not, at least in the popular pantheon of jazz immortals. But the bigger question is, Does it even matter?

Especially in view of the absolute first-class modern jazz he's been purveying over the last few albums released under his name. And make no mistake, this one tops all previous efforts. By a comfortable margin.

With In Flux, Ravi Coltrane has unequivocally established himself at the very top of contemporary jazz saxophonists, bandleaders, and composers. There's such a deep, dancing sensibility here, an entirely locked-in vibe between bandmates, a compositional onslaught, a musical tour-de-force, that one pauses and shakes one's head to have encountered music of such rare accomplishment, so unexpectedly bursting out of one's speakers.

Just as his dad was one of the first in the bop era to explore the glories of the soprano sax, so Ravi has continued that tradition, here emerging as perhaps the most accomplished practitioner of this difficult horn of anyone since the regretted passing of Steve Lacy. Take his solo on "Coincide," one of the most remarkable extended soprano excursions ever recorded. Demonstrating not only tonal perfection by locating his pitch at the exact center of each note, but an astounding fluidity and dexterity, simultaneously mapped onto a brilliant melodic and rhythmic conception, Coltrane fils bursts forth as the inheritor of not only his dad's "Favorite Things"-era soprano mastery but also that of the aforementioned Lacy, as well as such luminaries as Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman. How strange, then, that he should put away the smaller horn until the last cut of the disc (which is, albeit, the longest cut and features some of the trickiest and most accomplished group interaction).

And, as the rest of the disc more than amply demonstrates, he's no slouch on tenor sax either. From a tonal standpoint, he reminds me of a combination of the two Joes, Henderson and Lovano. He's got that graceful fluidity so characteristic of late Henderson combined with the warmth of expression that defines Lovano at his best. But, truth be told, he's his own man, with his own conception, on the larger horn.

The band, entirely tuned in and sympatico to the leader's every nuance and expressive moment, represents just about the finest example of new-lion tuned-inness with unbounded creativity. Look. This is a band to die for. Bassist Drew Gress not only has graced some of the hippest and most exemplary new jazz sessions (such as Tony Malaby's Adobe and Steve Coleman's Lucidarium), but has released two adventurous discs as leader. E. J. Strickland is fast becoming the premier young lion drummer on the scene. And Luis Perdomo, whose debut disc is one I covet beyond almost all others, displays a pianist depth and conception far beyond his tender years.

Combine all that with some of the hippest and most edgy, although still melodically rooted, tunes by contemporary jazz composers, and you've got a disc situated in the very center of the burgeoning young master scene.

Anyone interested in tracking with the unfolding jazz of the new millenium should not hesitate to check out this altogether spectacular disc.

I've followed Ravi Coltrane's career and have enjoyed all of his recordings (esp. "From the Round Box") yet "In Flux" takes him to a new level. With his "working" band for more than two years the recording exudes style, and maturity.

This music fits well into modern jazz but should not be classified necessarily as post bop. This feels and sounds like what a lot of younger artists are trying and should be doing: Expressing themselves and not recreating memories of yesterday's jazz. The elements are still in tact though - free expression, improvisation, and group interaction. "In Flux" does it superbly.

All the compositions were written by Ravi and/or the group except for the Wayne Shorter piece "United" which is recreated with Ravi's unique touch. There are moments that are really moving such as the beautiful ballads "Away" and "Dear Alice" in dedication to his mother Alice Coltrane.

There are free jazz short-takes "Variations I and III," and heavy hitters such as "Leaving Avignon" and cerebral force of "For Zoe." Hats off to Perdomo, Gress, and Strickland for some great playing and strong solos.

Ravi's voice on tenor and soprano is stirring, expressive, and is continuing to grow. The year's still early but this will definitely be on my year's best list.

Though there's a marvelous version of "United" (by Wayne Shorter), this disc leaves me wanting in the end... After several listenings you end up thinking OK, this is neat, this is well done, but some pieces are too short, and "United" is shunted. Why? Why not finish the phrase? OK, I admit, it's up to them. They made the record. Yes, these guys are very good (Luis Perdomo on piano is perhaps the most striking)... Worth you give a listen.

Ravi Coltrane -- like each of the artist with him on this project -- are the result of years of hard work and growth and this CD really shows each and every one of them at their best. It is difficult to find a studio album in Jazz that demonstrates as much maturity, immagination and collective brilliance as this one does.

Gress has not sounded as good live when I've heard him and the sound and mastering on this CD really helps bring out a nice sound! Despite a slightly out of tune piano, Perdomo is relaxed and inventive in all that he does. Strickland even reminds me a bit of Victor Lewis in Strickland's ability to drive and sustain the entire group without sticking out as if it were *his* album. Lastly, it is an injustice to compare Ravi with his father since Ravi has his own voice in the music and though there is some influence from the elder, it never becomes contrived or blatant. Like the NY Times reviewer said, this is a good example of how the better players are thinking nowadays.

Clearly, there is some great playing and writing going on here and this would have to be one of my picks for this last year (2005). Better late than never I guess.

ORIGINALITY of Ravi Coltrane and his quartet. I got this CD after seeing the Ravi Coltrane Quartet live...Oh.MY! It was the first time I'd ever seen them, or heard the music. It is an experience to be had! Please avail yourselves of the opportunity whenever possible...you'll zing the whole way through! Now, about this CD--which is playing right now--It is evident that John's influence is there, without a doubt...And it is EQUALLY evident that Ravi is a Master in his Time, influenced by a variety of music as he came of age [after all, he is named after Master musician Ravi Shankar!]...Wait, I'm delighting in the way Ravi is playing the close to Track 7...it is especially tantalizing to the ear, hearing the alchemy of instrumental response and breathy intent...Ahh Yes! You will appreciate the many innovations, migrations and visionary departures on this CD. It is ripe and rich with flourish in all the right places...A blissful accompaniment morning, noon, night...beyond. Bless the memory of John. Welcome the experience of Ravi...there is ONLY compliment here...no need or desire to compare! Ravi sets a standard all his own.

Treat yourself! Smile why don't you...I can't help it--everytime!

Enjoy,
Bead

I essentially agree with the previous 2 or 3 reviewers. Can't add much if only to say i was very impressed by the compositions and the
beautiful execution by the group...not overcooked in the least, but just very COOL stuff. Have also seen them recently in concert, which really perked my interest in Ravi.

Old bebop style jazz in a 2005 jacket from an all-composing Quartet. A beautiful production of Savoy Records! (FJB/O! 2005)

Ravi Coltrane plays Tenor en soprano saxophone with a sharp but elegant ring to it. Ashly Kahn says in the linernotes that Ravi Coltrane is evolving still and he wonders where it will lead to. I don't know about the evolving bit. This is my first Ravi Coltrane experience. I find it to be more then average. It's melodic with out overdoing. There's a beautiful build up with layer over layer. This craftsmanship leads to the composing depth of an album that keeps on giving. I just stay intrigued by it. The only negative point I can think of is that this album will probably never do as background music.

Niels-Henning once said to me that the great jazzmen are a dying species. I hope Ravi Coltrane is one of the new guys that will prove Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson wrong. A. Kahn has a good point in wondering where it will lead. We have to follow this guy and his excellent quartet!

Old bebop style jazz in a 2005 jacket from an all-composing Quartet. A beautiful production of Savoy Records! (FJB/O! 2005)

Ravi Coltrane plays Tenor en soprano saxophone with a sharp but elegant ring to it. Ashly Kahn says in the linernotes that Ravi Coltrane is evolving still and he wonders where it will lead to. I don't know about the evolving bit. This is my first Ravi Coltrane experience. I find it to be more then average. It's melodic with out overdoing. There's a beautiful build up with layer over layer. This craftsmanship leads to the composing depth of an album that keeps on giving. I just stay intrigued by it. The only negative point I can think of is that this album will probably never do as background music.

Niels-Henning once said to me that the great jazzmen are a dying species. I hope Ravi Coltrane is one of the new guys that will prove Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson wrong. A. Kahn has a good point in wondering where it will lead. We have to follow this guy and his excellent quartet!

Longboard Jazzer asks, will he ever top his dad. The answer is yes. To me he's much better. This record features Drew Gress on bass also. The recording quality is great and the music is hip. I'm a jazz fan but I don't like a lot of jazz, probably not even most jazz. I like this kind of jazz - contemporary jazz. In fact it reminds me of a very good disc called Contemporary Jazz by Branford Marsalis. One difference is that this disc is recorded well, Contemporary Jazz is not. I haven't heard Ravi's other recordings so I can't compare. I like this music and it gets better the more I listen. It's complicated, sophisticated, and not too "out there", but just enough for me.