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Ravi Coltrane Quartet

With
Ravi Coltrane on Saxophone
Luis Perdomo on Piano
EJ Strickland on Drums
Drew Gress on Bass

at
Iridium Jazz Club
1650 Broadway, Corner of 51st St, NYC
212.582.2121
www.iridiumjazzclub.com
(See Other Iridium Reviews)

Media Contact: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
jazzpromo@earthlink.net

By Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
July 15, 2003

Ravi Coltrane, son of legendary John Coltrane, is a renowned saxophonist in his own right since 1991, when he played with Elvin Jones, his father's drummer. He has recorded with Herbie Hancock and Kenny Barron. Ravi is debuting his RCA CD Release. (Iridium Notes).

Luis Perdomo plays with lightning speed to open this second set, with Ravi Coltrane's throaty sax, that leads a progressive and fragmented series of pieces, not melodic or tuneful, but eery and dissonant. EJ Strickland, on drums, adds the sharp edge needed for this very modern sound. Coltrane spins through his abstract themes with sudden octave jumps and surprisingly velvety elements. My cognac was the perfect accompaniment to this jazz dessert, as this was a deep and resonating performance.

There was no small talk between pieces, as these four musicians sped into a roller-coaster of winding and tumbling sound. The sharp octave leaps extended the sound to maximum highs and lows and added an imaginative effect. When Drew Gress was showcased on bass, the other three instruments intersected for connections and cacophony. A large drum solo by Strickland was wild. The third piece was more mellow with its own intricately blended theme. Coltrane ended this piece with repetitions of unique sound. In the fourth piece, Coltrane disappeared from stage to highlight his musicians. The tremendous energy was mesmerizing, and Perdomo is an extremely interesting and accomplished pianist. This is a very seasoned group, and Coltrane returned to skip through the tones, seamlessly, as the drum combo was ablaze. The drum riffs went on endlessly, as the accompanists watched with pride.

I recommend catching Ravi Coltrane and his Quartet when they're next in town.

Ravi Coltrane and Luis Perdomo at the Bar
Photo courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

EJ Strickland at Leisure
Photo courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

Ravi Coltrane Quartet
Photo courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower

Ravi Coltrane Quartet
Photo courtesy of Roberta E. Zlokower