Coltrane Family Heads Tribute Lineup

The 75th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth was celebrated Saturday in an event that despite its considerable length was filled with joyful acknowledgment of a remarkable life.

Although the actual birth date was Sept. 23, the Coltrane family elected to move the program to a weekend evening at the Beverly Hilton to make it available to the largest number of celebrants. And the list of musicians willing and eager to contribute their talents was large and impressive.

The best and most moving segment arrived early with a performance by tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane with his quartet (obliged to make an early appearance to fit in with his performance at Catalina Bar & Grill). After playing a few numbers with his group, Ravi was joined by his mother, pianist Alice Coltrane, and his brother, alto saxophonist Oranyan Coltrane.

One can only speculate on the emotions Alice Coltrane must have felt while hearing son Ravi playing one of John Coltrane’s most spiritual works, “A Love Supreme.” And it was fascinating to note that although Ravi Coltrane was followed on stage by a number of gifted saxophonists, it was he who best displayed the means to extend and expand his father’s work, rather than simply emulate it.

The balance of the concert had the attributes of an all-star session. Young talents such as Kamasi Washington and the Young Jazz Giants affirmed why they were the 1999 winners of the John Coltrane Music competition. The sterling rhythm section trio of Robert Hurst on bass, Geri Allen on piano and Ralph Penland on drums supported solo offerings from tenor saxophonist Bennie Maupin, bassist Art Davis, trombonist George Bohanon and trumpeter Al Aarons. Each of the soloists, all former Coltrane associates, offered brief but touching anecdotal memories. Guitarist Kenny Burrell and pianist Slawomir Kulpowicz added solo appearances to the list.

The second half of the exceedingly full evening included a filmed tribute to Coltrane (climaxing with a number of amusing clips from feature films, such as “Jerry Maguire,” in which Coltrane is described by one of the characters as a creative icon).

Another Coltrane offspring, singer Michelle Cotrane-Carbonell, performed the classic “My Favorite Things” with the Otan Afro Jazz Ensemble, and the evening wrapped with the virtuoso vibes playing of Terry Gibbs. He took responsibility for the evening by noting that he had introduced Alice and John Coltrane when Alice was the pianist in his bebop group.

Proceeds from the evening will go to the John Coltrane Foundation to support jazz students.