Ravi Coltrane Quartet: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Suraya Mohamed | June 26, 2017 - Yes, Ravi Coltrane is the son of the John Coltrane, one of the most famous and important jazz saxophonists and composers of all time. He's also the son of multi-instrumentalist, composer and spiritual leader Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda. (In fact, all members of the band here are performing artists in their own right and come from artistically rich families; drummer E.J. Strickland is the brother of saxophonist Marcus Strickland; Adam Rogers parents performed on Broadway and Yunior Terry is Yosvany Terri's brother, both heirs to Cuban music royalty.) But pedigree is not what makes him (or them) special. It's the ability to draw on ideology and theory from the past and give already-great music the room to transform. As Coltrane told NPR back in 2013:
As improvisers, that's really our goal - not just to state the themes that people wrote. In the course of time, night after night you search for better ways to present the music.
Not only did Coltrane and his band offer new interpretations from his repertoire, but varied the rhythmic presentations of the numbers, too. The first song in the set, "Cobbs Hill," was written by Coltrane's good friend and colleague Ralph Alessi. Beginning with Yunior Terry's funky and deliberate bass line, further enhanced by intentional drum rolls the 2/4 time signature, two beats per measure, captures a march-like proclamation.
The second song is Coltrane's own composition, "Three For Thee", a fan favorite from the 1998 Moving Pictures album; the original recording included Ralph Alessi on trumpet. Only 32 years old when that record was released, it could be taken as a sign of things to come: Ravi Coltrane, an old soul in a young body, mature and capable of creating work so robust and important. Almost 20 years later, hearing that music again here, even better, is affirming and a testament to Coltrane's ever-evolving artistic journey. And E.J. Strickland's opening drum intro couldn't be more spunky; he teases the audience into the groove with effortless, intentional punctuations.
This performance is likely to be a historical footnote in the book of great jazz moments. The quartet demonstrates its marvelous technical capabilities and keen musicianship, and their imaginative interpretations suggest strength and resolve, a fluid embodiment of question and answer, push and pull, and rising action followed by hypnagogic culmination.
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Set List
"Cobbs Hill"
"In Three For Thee"
"Phrygia"
Musicians
Ravi Coltrane (sax); Adam Rogers (guitar); Yunior Cabrera (bass); EJ Strickland (drums)
Credits
Producers: Suraya Mohamed, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; PA: Bria Granville; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@tanyabodrova9947]

Unlike many sons of famous musicians, Ravi's actually got talent. Beautiful stuff.

[@megajames3000]

I'm watching this with a poster of Ravi's father directly behind my computer. They look just alike!!! cultivating your own sound while being the son of one of the most influential musicians modern music has ever seen is a testament to ravi's own indvidual artistry. ADAM ROGERS IS A BOSS.

[@Unitz15]

Dude I’m watching this with a poster of John Coltrane right behind me too

[@megajames3000]

@@Unitz15 you gotta have one somewhere in the house!

[@yomommastupid]

RIP ALICE & JOHN COLTRANE MY HEROES thanks RAVI for continuing the Coltrane legacy

[@Cycad...]

I wish more people recognized the talent this artist has. He is a Coltrane for god sakes!

[@NotRightMusic]

NPR is the channel that surprises me the most with it's guests. And now, Ravi Coltrane! This is one deep band!

[@ewern]

AGREE. Saw him Saturday at free Detroit Jazz Festival.- posted a few videos myself on You Tube. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fICpo4WmjrWcsMk

[@Edwardsilveriopropecto]

So Kush

[@joseespinoza6283]

A combination of pure mathematics, air and soul.

[@chariglione]

tiny desk concerts is what gets me through the day.

[@8PedroFerreira]

Lets not forget to thank the lovely Alice Coltrane, Turiyasangitananda. Her and John Coltrane were an inspiration to this world.

[@bbowjazz]

Alice Coltrane composed and performed some of the most healing music on the planet. Would do a lot of folks good to listen to it right now!

[@thadiusventricle6752]

I spoke with him years ago after an engagement. He mentioned how his mother is often overlooked. I asked him about his choice to play Giant Steps earlier that evening. At first he seemed puzzled by the question. Then he made the connection and said something very interesting. He said, first he’s a tenor player in NYC. And every tenor player in NYC must take the Steps regardless of who his or her father is. Secondly, he mentioned that while he looks a lot like an iconic man, he was raised and gained just as much musical influence from his mother.

[@NvrSettle]

my soul needed this. thank you.

[@JFK1180]

Great music. Ravi is stellar and so melodic. The guitarplayer is wonderful. And the drummer is pure wind. Solid bass.

[@DC_92]

“Pure Wind” I love that 😊

[@DOOMDDS]

This bumps. Thanks NPR

[@VercesiMartino]

Great music, great band...wonderful musicians! Thank you Ravi, Adam, Yunior and EJ!

[@asellape9270]

YES Ravi Coltrane, thank you so much.

[@blackvitruvianman]

This quartet is swinging so hard...love supreme!

[@drecool6976]

Keeping the Legend alive .Love from Philly.

[@smsrbeats1501]

this is craaaazy good musical talent runs thoroughly through the coltrane's body its crazy

[@d.cypher2920]

to me, it's about the right notes at the right time.... i appreciate technique, and dexterity....but beautiful, and often unexpected notes, are what make it so magical. this guy has it. nice. very nice.

[@FlecknellPhotography]

[@archiemilan]

Man he looks just like his dad. Great music. Great job NPR.

[@bmuhamad]

Interesting also, to see a group with only a guitarist instead of just keyboards. A lot of space. Thank you.

[@bmuhamad]

They really have a great sound and mix. A high level of maturity.

[@Tumer-Ulucinar]

Adam Rogers on fire 🔥 as always!

[@azbillbrandon]

An absolute delight!

[@mrleroyjacksonjr]

I saw Ravi at the College of Charleston a couple of years ago. This brother is an awesome talent like his parents! He played some of Alice’s previously unreleased music. What a treat!!!

[@Alexander_jade]

wow, i'm so impressed, by everyone, especially with the guitarist! :)

[@jazzjara4091]

thanks !! great guitarist and all!!

[@johnhymanful]

We are soooo looking forward to seeing you and the band at Jazz Standard on the 31st.

[@hcharton5722]

Great set! Thank You 🙏🏽

[@blkfish70]

When Ravi was asleep, the spirit of his dad made home in his son's body.

[@kroppinator]

So good!! Thanks NPR

[@bobleroe3859]

It doesn't get better than this.

[@efmamjjasond99]

heard of his father ??

[@rinahall]

I think the oposite

[@oscarnavarrooficial]

Thanks Mr.Coltrane ❤️

[@bernhardlohr4662]

Superb Jazz ! Seen Ravi Coltrane live- years ago- at the Jazzclub Singen (GEMS) !! B.L.,Germany

[@fraksakes]

Saw Ravi in Abu Dhabi last night. Was beautiful

[@breathnstop]

outstanding really enjoyed this.

[@silvershandiin]

I love Listening to RAVI! YES!!

[@ebaylistentomusic]

This is the first time I've heard Ravi with a guitar player, other than his work as a sideman with the beyond extraordinary TIsziji Munoz, and I really think its a great fit for him.

[@sangrantes7073]

tremendo! pura calidad ravi coltrane quartet

[@AndrewBehm]

I love the melody in that first song. So good

[@rinahall]

There was no melody

[@Churrosonice]

Amazing performance!

[@nubiaotalora1544]

uuuueeeeeeeett is amazing Adam rogers plays the guitar like a rhythm DEMON!!

[@slady7072]

Priceless✨

[@MrArtenow]

Excelente Ravi !!!!

[@chrisv.siarmalis4784]

At Blues Alley they were beyond magnificent !!!

[@teddypantelas]

What a great Timy Desk Concert! Really happy to see this group here! Thank you NPR!

[@mirofisch940]

more jazz

[@allermenchenaufder]

Beautiful !

[@boomerang905]

He puts me in an other-worldly mood just as his father did.... Omg that tone ....

[@TheDockeys]

Just WOW!!! And Love Supreme...

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Love him and his group....they pop up on Jazz at Lincoln Center Dizzy's Club dates, too, I believe...

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Great, I will have to search out some of his records....

[@bmuhamad]

Great to see Ravi & Band. He also sat in with The Miles Electric Band. I believe, in Poland.

[@shaddjimenez4524]

amazing.

[@sergiosilva6396]

Great Ravi!

[@agamhamzah2924]

Great Ravi Coltrane

[@servantofthemosthigh6094]

I LOVE GOOD MUZIK!!!

[@Gork-an-Mork]

Son of one of the greatest and truly a great himself

[@boomerang905]

My God l love these guys

[@TheFreemanuk]

The love the love x

[@kanachannel1006]

Great music😋😃

[@april_showers97]

Ravi Coltrane and his cuz Flying Lotus needta link up and make some electro space jazz asap

[@GoshdarnCat]

Gus Fisher They already have on Cosmogramma. Check out Arkestry

[@Sean-kp2uq]

they're cousins you know Flylo is alice coltrane's nephew i believe

[@Afroctopus]

holy shit, I didn't know Ravi was on that track, knowing that makes me appreciate it even more

[@vincentcsmith102]

think he plays on cosmogramma?

[@renaissancemic5679]

Needs to link with thunder cat too

[@stepitupandgo67]

love it

[@jaruhle9493]

He looks so much like his father, the resemblance is uncanny

[@chrismezza1940]

Seeing him tonight!

[@CC-jh4kd]

I see a quartet i click like

[@tapski1]

Explosive🤜🏽💥

[@kaanpeeters]

brilliant

[@rokcetboy]

impresionante¡

[@thebelfyify]

He plays just like his dad......amazing performance !!!

[@whykatera81]

No

[@rinahall]

No

[@nomoniker7917]

NO. He's very good but he doesn't play just like his father.

[@thorebpted]

i may have wanted the bass a little louder at times but great sound

[@thorebpted]

it also looks like the bassist should get a mike for his skat

[@Lemwell7]

This is my thought in most Tiny Desk Concerts with Double Basses.

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

thorebpted do you listen with headphones? The bass sounds better through those (although it may depend on your headphones of course)

[@LazyBastard69]

It's loud enough for my ears and setup. A little more attack would have been nice, but that's just mostly a double bass specific thing

[@nomoniker7917]

THEY NEVER MIKE THE BASS ENOUGH. Charles Mingus knew that forever.

[@ianadelstein42]

The last song is written by Adam Rogers (the guitar player). It's on his album, Allegory.

[@bladome]

Bravo

[@spyroskostis3652]

Big shout out to the guitarist

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Go EJ !!!!

[@ZabDevin]

Great set. Thank you, Ravi and NPR of course. I did notice that Ravi was holding a sopranino sax after the first song but prior to the second. Then you guys skipped to him playing the tenor sax. What's up with that NPR?

[@SantiagoCorbalanJuarez]

This Ravi gives giant steps! ;)

[@ricardodurante8753]

the issue with tiny desks is that I put them on as a background to keep working but then I have to stop working and pay attention

[@Bonelefreak]

❤❤

[@bobjary9382]

More of this

[@leonmusic1699]

Sting would be very interesting.

[@BenJones1127]

that tune phrygia is so good but I can't find it anywhere except here

[@YoBoView]

❤

[@L33M_0]

I can hear Elvin in the drummers playing!

[@hablaes]

My Goodness!!!! Whew!!!'

[@AlexeiOrechin]

@23:43 Repeating what his father told him :)

[@aqualili]

:(

[@ethancooney3331]

What's sad is that John died two years after Ravi was born, so Ravi probably doesn't remember much interaction with his father. His talent is all him!

[@LoveandHavoc]

This is beautiful. Truly. They need Wanye Shorter and or Gary Bartz up in here. That'd be the dopest shit.

[@skyboundzoo7529]

Christian Reynolds all my yes,,

[@dogfacedboy6947]

I must quibble. GO YOUNG, STAY YOUNG Y'ALL NEED THE TYKES! I'm 62 now, I listen to all SORTS of things, playing guitar & bass & steel (Anti-cuntry tho) too. I am more tham mildly bothered by "my" generation of PiggiBooms or BoomiPigs desperately trying to retain control of EVERYTHING, not just music. But in music, it is ridiculous that starting in the 80's, bands like Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, oh god, Clapton, Springsteen and retro-rerun bands like the Police & U2 (yep I said it) suck up all the money. WE are avidly trying to DESTROY younger peep's music - so callously, we don't even KNOW it. Presidential election - a 70 year old vs a 70 year old with a 74 year old lurking - WE are DOOMED if we don't bust this shit up and HAND OVER THE REINS. WE ARE OLD - WE ARE OLD... we are old.... shuffle OFF, you fucks. (except ME, you NEED me heh heh heh ) There's more great music out there than EVER - and we can take a bow for allowing that - but goddam all the big bucks stay with the old fuckers.

[@bobjary9382]

@@dogfacedboy6947 oh yes ! 62 here too and living in hope. The elderly once were held in reverence for their knowledge and wisdom but since that is no longer so relevant in a world that changes so fast the old still wish to be venerated and are holding on too tight

[@ricaard]

Oh, Phrygia-phrygian, I get it! 😊 Great music!

[@Alexpunx77]

Modal Jazz

[@ricaard]

@@Alexpunx77 yup

[@mariagraziadore1516]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@Edwardsilveriopropecto]

So Kush

[@rafaelrodriguessantos6379]

Ravi "Coltrane"... It was his destiny to be a saxophone player...

[@francisbassett-dilley2675]

Can we get Kenny Garrett on here sometime

[@rinahall]

Where ?

[@JazzfireflyNZ]

Outstanding player! I am wondering if he plays his fathers saxophones? Some similar tones going on?

[@growingmelancholy8374]

the lyrics were wicked.

[@alistairjohnston4790]

Anyone notice he quotes John Coltrane's tune Liberia? at 23:44 - 23.55

[@Marvelous.Leonardo]

So many tiny desks, so little time

[@1JessyMoney]

the guitarist respond to anything Riva does , tht s what we call jazz . Amazing performance

[@telmoterremotomusic8809]

that's Adam Rodgers, a beast of a player!

[@wolfpants]

When the guy who's already royalty turns out to be standalone genius artist.

[@wolfpants]

Standing alone from his parents, not a standalone here -- remarkably talented band.

[@XavierJordanMusic]

Boy I thought that was Marcus Strickland on drums. I was like hold on lol

[@Gassyyetclassy]

Listening to Ravi Coltrane is like being taken on the best elevator ride of your life.

[@Jordarr8994]

Adriana Auten kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHqag5V3m5l3odU “elevator music” give this a listen

[@theoryofmachines]

What a dilettante

[@KongJam]

só quem colou em canoas sabe