From the Round Box

Ravi Coltrane | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 6, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00004S60G
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,770 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Being the legacy of perhaps the most exalted musical martyr of the 20th century carries certain expectations. After all, John Coltrane's are some pretty big shoes to fill. His son, Ravi Coltrane, has his father's facial profile, but, so far, all similarities end there. "Social Drones," the Ralph Alessi composition that begins this quintet album, is closer to Doc Severinsen than the senior Coltrane--a plodding number that's all arid highs, no lows. "The Chartreuse Mean" is a literal toot-around that features Coltrane junior blowing arpeggios in sequence, perhaps in an effort to emulate his dad's celestial textures on such albums as Meditations. Similarly, "Word Order" broaches more of the melodic turf of the elder Coltrane's Crescent period, complete with suitably representative McCoy Tyner-esque accompaniment by Geri Allen. However, Coltrane senior isn't the only influence on his son. Latin traces mark the Ornette Coleman staple "The Blessing," but it's a botched job with Allen once again contributing what amounts to mere atmospherics, and an almost Miles Davis-ish wheeze stamping out any similarities to the original. The band ups the tempo on "Blues a la Carte," a Wayne Shorter composition, but Allen's piano is the equivalent of playing scales (with a touch of pastoral Tyner technique tossed in). Trumpeter Alessi contributes another tune, "Irony," in which Coltrane once again provides flutters of notes that fall short of evoking any kind of melodic force. Comparisons with dad are again inevitable--and that's where he falls short. But then, to be fair, who wouldn't? --Joe S. Harrington

From Jazziz

Ravi Coltrane, John's son, clearly could have started his recording career as a leader in his early twenties. But the saxophonist decided to be patient, to soak up lessons in other musicians' bands - such as Gerry Gibbs' and Steve Coleman's - and to wait. Two years ago, at 33, Coltrane released his debut as a leader, Moving Pictures. Produced by Coleman, the album featured Coltrane blowing on standards and originals and was well received. His second disc, From the Round Box, finds Coltrane in the company of pianist Geri Allen, trumpeter Ralph Alessi, bassist James Genus, and drummer Eric Harland.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best modern albums available, February 24, 2005

By 

JK Musicman (Newington, CT, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Round Box (Audio CD)

Despite the ignorance of the amazon reviewer, this album is superb. As an avid jazz listener and saxophonist, i can honestly say this is one of the most promising jazz records to be released, at least since Wynton Marsalis' "Black Codes From the Underground" (before he strayed from the small combo path). Ravi's technique and melodic feeling are surprisingly original, as is his ability to arrange and lead a group. Though he is clearly the strongest player of the group, he is well-supported by the sensitive Geri Allen (whose playing is effective and beautiful, contrary to a certain reviewer's foolish remarks), and the drummer creates a rhythmic soundscape that constantly wavers between swing and a more funkish beat. The trumpeter is original also, particularly on the first track. Overall, the band sounds tight and Ravi himself proves that he does not need to sound like his father. Some critics, who may be from Amazon.com, may feel that Ravi is always trying to "emulate" some aspect of his genius father's work, although Ravi's truly unique style reveals that there is really no need for silly comparisons, and anyone who dismisses Ravi as falling short of his father's footsteps is merely looking for an excuse to ignore potential brilliance. Coltrane is clearly a virtuoso, and this record provides evidence of his underrated ability. It is highly recommended, and it is hoped that ignorant reviews be ignorant in favor of more informed ones.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Like wine, it mellows with time..., September 1, 2002

By 

A. K. L. "flamotte" (Steilacoom, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Round Box (Audio CD)

Without going into depth on each selection, I want to confess that this music seemed incoherent and cold at first hearing. The third or fourth time around, I began to submerge through the harmonic dissonance and rhythmic turbulance, to the deep brooding calm that underlies these shimmering musical surfaces. Beware: this is chamber music, not smooth jazz. Ravi Colrane never goes for the quick emotional punch, the repeated riff, the funky bass line, or the familiar chord resolution. The listener must follow each thread through a complex, abstract, sonic tapestry. Emotion is never an end in itself, but always the effect of structural complexity. It's dry wine, not Pepsi. It's Proust, not beach reading. I may end up listening to this as often as I listen to
A Love Supreme.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Jazz Music, July 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: From the Round Box (Audio CD)

Ravi Coltrane is the son of the late great John Coltrane.I don't think it is fair to compare Ravi to his Father when listening to him play.Ravi is a great musician in his own right and this album shows that.The music is very deep and emotional,which could definitely be an influence from his Father,but not as a comparison to him.