RAVI COLTRANE / SUNDAY, MAY 17 / Cape May Convention Hall / 2:45-4:00 PM
The Story
Son of jazz royalty, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane has been forging his own musical path for decades while retaining the inspiration of his revered father, the legendary saxophonist-composer and hugely influential figure John Coltrane, as well as his pianist-harpist mother Alice Coltrane. Now a seasoned veteran in his own right at age 60, Ravi has recorded six albums as a leader while also garnering accolades for his work over the years with jazz giants Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette and Kenny Barron as well as colleagues like Terence Blanchard, Steve Coleman, Matt Garrison, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joanne Brackeen and Geri Allen. He was also a charter member of the all-star group The Blue Note 7 and co-led the Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman. The Brooklyn-based musician makes his debut appearance at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival fresh off a week-long engagement at the Village Vanguard in late February with his current working sextet (trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, trombonist Robin Eubanks, pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Dezron Douglas, drummer Eli Howell).
The Sound
Intensely searching and free-spirited, Coltrane’s sextet is one of the more adventurous and highly interactive ensembles on the scene today. With his bold-toned tenor sax and soaring soprano leading the way, Ravi will showcase several invigorating originals interspersed with wholly unique interpretations of some of his father’s landmark compositions like “Giant Steps,” “Expression” and the beautiful ballad “After the Rain,” along with a moving rendition of Thelonious Monk’s most oft-covered tune, “‘Round Midnight.”
