by Kelsey Higgins
Calling John Coltrane one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century, the New York Times said, “just about every jazz saxophone player born after 1960 plays in the shadow of John Coltrane.”
Despite bearing the last name of two influential jazz musicians, saxophonist John Coltrane and pianist Alice Coltrane, Ravi Coltrane has emerged from the shadows and forged his own name in jazz history.
“He’s descended from jazz royalty, and he wears it with pride,” said NPR, “[but he] blows an original and distinctly modern strain of jazz, distilling but never seeking to imitate his family’s adventurous improvising spirits.”
Even though Ravi plays the tenor and soprano saxophone as his father did before him, his unique sound and “analytic and contemplative” approach have set him apart from his father, according to the New Yorker.
His quartet will be performing at the Village Vanguard this week beginning on Tuesday Oct. 1 through Saturday Oct. 6. Tickets can be purchased through the Village Vanguard site here.
Coltrane at the Village Vanguard
John Coltrane was a frequent headliner at the Village Vanguard, which for 70 years has served as the place where, “the ghosts of past jazz giants still play, where the best living jazz talent aspire to record, and where sound waves seem to reverberate in a manner unlike any other club, anywhere.”
Ravi Coltrane, naturally, is also no stranger to the Vanguard stage. He received great reviews from NPR for his performance in November of 2008 and from the New York Times for his performances in September of 2009 and March of 2013.
The New York Times called his March 2013 performance something, “You don’t experience that often in a jazz club.”
Ravi Coltrane returns to the Village Vanguard with his quartet, composed of pianist David Virelles, bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Johnathan Blake, this week on Tuesday.
Tickets are $25 or $35 on Fridays and Saturdays with a one drink minimum. The Village Vanguard is located on 178 S. Avenue, and doors open at 7:30. Further information can be found here.
His most recent album is “Spirit Fiction,” released in 2011. It is his first album with Blue Note Records.
If you are unable to catch Ravi at the Village Vangaurd
NPR will present a live video webcast and radio broadcast of the Ravi Coltrane Quartet on Wednesday Oct. 2 at 8:30 p.m. Coverage can be found here.
Further Reading
In the article “Growing Up Coltrane,” Ravi talks about his favorite tracks that feature his parents (recordings provided within the article).
The Big Apple Hot Plate Report 