Ravi Coltrane
Mad 6
(Sony – 2003)
by John Thompson
While listening to this CD, I had an associate stop over. After approximately 10 seconds he asked, with a frown, “What the hell are you listening to?” He prefers his sax players’ last names to begin with G. This cat’s last name begins with Coltrane.
Ravi Coltrane. Yes, his dad is John. I don’t think they sound alike, but on this release there are familiarities of energetic output. “Mad 6.” Six dudes attacking music with pure aggression. With a group consisting of Coltrane(s) George Colligan(p) James Genus(b) Darryl Hall(b) Andy Milne(p) and Steve Hass(d), they perform songs written by the likes of Coltranes, Jimmy Heath, Monk, and Mingus. This is a group of young lions that play hungry. “‘Round Midnight” is performed at WARP SPEED. “26-2,” and “Between the Lines” are rhythmic adventures.
“Ginger Bread Boy” is night club funky. Two songs, “Self Portrait In Three Colors” (nice piano solo by Colligan) and “Ask Me Now” are the mellow ones. The hard bop “Fifth House” is pure TNT as drummer Hass shows himself a force, as does .This music could be a glimpse into the future of Jazz. Ravi can certainly play and the group has a great focus for the music. Tons of creativity and abstractness. If you are ready for a Jazz challenge, add this to your collection. 3 ½ stars.