Ravi Coltrane: Cosmic Music

An artist whose career occupies a singular niche in modern jazz, Ravi Coltrane has established a sound and concept that stand undeniably on their own, extending far beyond the shadow of his iconic name. Early experience in John Coltrane Quartet drummer Elvin Jones’ Jazz Machine and maverick saxophonist Steve Coleman’s M-Base movement helped build Coltrane’s expansive aesthetic, leading to a procession of increasingly audacious recordings as a leader and collaboration with artists ranging from his mother, harpist and pianist Alice Coltrane, and cousin, iconoclastic producer Flying Lotus, to pianist Chick Corea, trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. In 2014, Coltrane curated a week of SFJAZZ performances celebrating the 50th anniversary of the recording of his father’s masterpiece A Love Supreme.