For the first time since it closed its doors due to the pandemic in 2020, the Village Vanguard, the famed jazz club in Manhattan’s West Village, welcomed back Ravi Coltrane to its stage. Heir to one of the most renowned last names in the world of jazz, Coltrane needs no introduction. Like his father, John Coltrane, he’s known for his enticing and improvisational saxophone playing that will make any listener forget their own world and become absorbed in his sound. From his mother, Alice Coltrane, he inherited a spontaneity and charm that washes over the crowd from the start. Even with the weight of his parents’ names bearing down on him, Coltrane has forged his own path to make a name for himself, and his talent was on full display during the opening night of a week-long residency at the Vanguard on Oct 26.
Coltrane opened the show with an homage to his late mother, by playing his rendition of her 1976 song, Turiya. Originally a harp ballad, Coltrane and his band — drummer Johnathan Blake and bassist Dezron Douglas — turned the piece into an electrifying combination of the tenor saxophone, drums and bass. Lovers of the original version nodded along, entranced by Coltrane’s new spin. A majority of the crowd stared with eyes wide open in amazement of the talent that was unveiling in front of them as Coltrane and his band played non-stop for 14 minutes straight. They followed each other in unison, knowing when to exit the melody to let another player shine, and when to enter back in for a seamless transition.
Throughout the performance, the sound of the music was hypnotic, creating an intense focus between the audience and stage. Drinks collected rings of water around the bottom of their glasses, the room remained still, the outside world had disappeared. Together, the audience went on a journey from the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with a simple change in tempo. Coltrane knew he had the audience, and he knew that no matter what move he made, they’d be right there with him. The audience could not predict the next move he would make, due to the improvisation that was happening between the trio. Coltrane shot Douglas a look and he shifted his bass into an uptempo, raising the energy with just a simple switch of the position of his fingers. Blake matched the pace seamlessly and switched from slowly tapping his cymbals to banging them so hard one might think they could crack in a second.
Despite having the main name on the marque, Coltrane shared the stage equally with his counterparts. He knew that he needed Blake and Douglas to keep the music alive, and that dependency showed throughout the performance. He gave them both the freedom to go where they felt the music needed to go, but pulled them in if he felt they were going astray. What makes each night unique is that the trio determines what songs they’re going to play during the show. As they finish a song, they flip through the sheet music and determine what’ll come next. It’s all a live decision that makes the show more intimate and an exclusive experience.
To end the night, Coltrane honored his late father by playing his version of “Giant Steps.” Fans of Coltrane SR., know that this song is no easy feat. It takes great concentration, skill, and synchronization to master the piece, especially for a bass player. All the players have to become one, a single misstep ruins the rhythm. The fast saxophone mixed with the even faster drumming and bass is easy to get lost in, but this trio mastered it. Coltrane’s eyes widened with each blow of the saxophone, as if to signal his own nerves. Blake and Douglas only smiled, even as they were both exhausted, showing their sheer concentration. But as the song progressed, Coltrane and his band became more comfortable. They settled into the groove, and knew that they were headed towards the finish line. They were so comfortable that they performed most of the song with their eyes closed. Coltrane’s fingers moved from key to key as if they were designed to follow the rhythm. Douglas’s fingers moved along the strings of the bass like playing was second nature, and Blake hit every note right on the mark.
The talent shared during Ravi Coltrane’s opening night at the Village Vanguard is unmatched. He showcased his prowess in the form, and mesmerized the audience. With support from Blake and Douglas, Coltrane left everyone wanting more as he beautifully paid tribute to his parents. For nearly three hours he took us into his world, barely fitting its depth inside the four walls of the Vanguard. By the time we came back to Earth, it felt like only seconds had gone by. Having just experienced a performance they’d never forget, the audience was at a loss for words. As the lights began to brighten, claps echoed around the room. Coltrane exited the stage; night one had come to an end.