Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane Interviewed at AAJ


Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, he of the inescapable surname, is continuing to grow both as a musician and a person. His playing these days contains more maturity; a sense of exploration, combined with a sureness of attack and a brawny sound.

The growing musical proficiency is documented on Blending Times (Savoy Jazz, 2009). Coltrane and his working band--pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Drew Gress and drummer E.J. Strickland--address a group of tunes both written and improvised on the spot. The band takes an imaginative approach and expresses itself in a particularly free-wheeling way. The essence of jazz is its spontaneity and that comes out in this music. Coltrane is an investigative soloist throughout, but it's also his decisions as a bandleader, setting the direction of the music, that are central.

AAJ Contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke with Coltrane about his latest release and the tremendous impact of his legendary father, John Coltrane, and especially his mother, Alice Coltrane, on his way of thinking, living and making music.

Check out Ravi Coltrane: Changing and Blending Times at AAJ today!

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