JAZZ REVIEW : Sanders’ Tribute to Coltrane

There were more than a few reminders of the late saxophonist John Coltrane in Pharoah Sanders’ opening set Tuesday at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Sanders, who worked with the last editions of the revered saxophonist’s ensemble, recalled Coltrane’s tone and phrasing as well as his emotional intensity in a program that included a pair of Coltrane compositions as well as a blues and an African-flavored dance number.

Known for the kind of animated sax work usually attributed to psychological Angst or spiritual ascendancy, Sanders’ approach seemed less frantic than in days past. His almost nonchalant way of breaking from melodic patterns to insert cries, shrieks and ringing overtones gave his solos an edgy feel, as if at any moment he might break into extended caterwauling. But he kept these outbursts brief, preferring to make his point with more lyrical, often rhythmically driving displays.

Backed by the solid, L.A.-based trio of keyboardist William Henderson, bassist Richard Reid and drummer Ralph Penland, Sanders, working the kind of Eastern-flavored lines that might charm a cobra from its basket, opened on soprano with an intense rendition of Coltrane’s modal vamp “Ole.”

Sanders, this time on tenor, stuck close to the theme of Coltrane’s pensive ballad “Naima,” leaving the improvisational duties to Henderson, who wove delicate phrases into an appropriately reverent statement. Bassist Reid held to the lower register of his instrument when soloing, mixing it up with bent notes, fleet runs and chordal strumming. Penland, alternating between mallets and brushes, showed authority as well as touch.

Sanders and company continue at Catalina’s through Sunday.