Customer Reviews

From the Round Box

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was curious about Ravi from reading the other reviews. I'm a big jazz fan. The one thing that moves me musically is creativity and individuality. We all have our own voice. Why would I want to sound exactly like you? Or you I. Enough rambling... This year has been a great year for me for jazz purchases, and this is one of the highlights. Ravi is not John Coltrane. No one will ever be. Ravi has is OWN voice, and it is sweet indeed. Not sheer blowing but controlled

intensity. Read other reviews from professionals e.g. 'All Music Guide', Down Beat, etc... for details on his technique. All I have to say is that his arrangement skills and sounds are vibrant and stylized. This cd is unique. I went and purchased his debut cd which is just as good. But who is to say what is good, better, or bad. The debut is Ravi's voice as well. Also the musicians are excellent. Eric Harland is one of the most exciting young drummers today. James Genus' bass is great. Who is Ralph Alessi? Good trumpet and arrangements. The horn combination reminds you of Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. Timeless. And my fav second artist on this outing is Geri Allen. Unlike the Amazon Reviewer's comments her playing is awesome! ...One other thing; listen to this with good headphones for all the nuances.

Peace.

Mr. Coltrane (Ravi) is simply amazing. I just saw him live at the Iridium in New York and we stayed till 2 am just talking to him and his group. his style is just awesome, it jams so much. i thought that no cd could capture the feeling i got that night, and although no cd will ever totally capture it, this cd comes dang close. the selections he chose are perfect to display his energetic playing and his band is great. the thing that comes from this group the most is the immense amount of tension and release. they'll be building....building....building, then all the sudden on a downbeat they'll hit one note and it'll be smooth sailing until they do it again. it's great, it makes you jump out of your seat and yell. ravi is highly underrated and i hope that people will realize how good he is sooner or later (preferably sooner). this cd is an outstanding addition to your collection, so i say you should absolutely buy it.

This new release is somewhat more intense than Ravi Coltrane's debut recording, as might be inferred from the list of musicians this time around: Ralph Alessi on trumpet and flugelhorn, Geri Allen on piano (on one cut, Andy Milne plays piano), James Genus on bass, Eric Harland on drums, and of course Ravi Coltrane on tenor and soprano saxophone. The opening tune, Alessi's "Social Drones," sets a tone of seriousness of musical purpose--this is not going to be lighthearted music. But don't let my description put you off--this is not confrontational, angry, or dissonant music, either; rather, it is serious music that deserves a serious listen.

The program is nicely varied. There are three cuts by Ravi Coltrane, two cuts by Alessi, and one each from Wayne Shorter ("Blues a la Carte," which the group swings nicely), Thelonious Monk ("Monk's Mood," which the group makes sound more serious and introspective than it usually sounds), Ornette Coleman ("The Blessing," in which Coltrane and Alessi have a great time, and Harland evokes the polyrhythmic spirit of the late Ed Blackwell), and James Carney ("Consequence," an expressive ballad that shows a different side of Coltrane's playing).

From the Round Box is a recording that might not be easy to get into on first audition, but it rewards repeated listening. Engineering chores were handled by Joseph and Nancy Marciano, who have once again turned in a first-class effort. This deserves reissue.

To say that Ravi Coltrane is excellent in his own rite would be an under statement.I think too many people still compare him with his Father even though He carries his dad's greatness like nobody's business.Ravi's different influence show up all throughout the album as well.I think If he isnt already he is becoming a reckoning force in jazz who is going to make himself a true professional jazz legend outside of His father.If you pass the chance to get this cd,You wil truly miss out on one of Jazz's awesome new up and comers.