Ravi Coltrane Retraces Path

Ravi Coltrane took the stage at Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday night in a state of considerable uncertainty. Over the last few months, his career has hit a period of instability, exacerbated by his recording contract being dropped by BMG. This at a time when he has been seeking to move his music in a different direction via the forming of a new ensemble.

Under the circumstances, he was obliged to put new directions on hold for the moment. Instead of arriving at Catalina with a different lineup, he was once again accompanied by familiar associates--pianist George Colligan, bassist Darryl Hall and drummer Steve Hass--despite the fact that he has not performed with them for most of the last year.

That may not have been precisely what Coltrane had in mind, in terms of his future musical direction, but the results were first rate. There was, in fact, at least one lengthy passage in which the rhythm section trio--cranking up the voltage while Coltrane left the stage to listen--generated an explosive collective improvisation filled with galvanizing rhythms and brilliantly intuitive creative interaction. Even Coltrane was smiling when he stepped back on stage following an enthusiastic burst of audience applause.

Other pieces displayed both the positives and the negatives of the quartet’s uneven history together. One tune roved across meter changes, tossing in elements suggesting “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “All the Things You Are,” succeeding because of the confident interplay between the musicians rather than as the result of any successful plan of action. Another piece delivered a series of marvelously adroit improvisations in 5/4, held together by Hass’ crisply confident drumming. And a touching version of McCoy Tyner’s “Search for Peace”--a rare segment of calm in a turbulent set of music--was offered as a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 violence.

Did the set represent Coltrane’s vision of his artistic future? Probably not, and he is wise to continue the pursuit of his own unique form of expression, given the inevitable comparisons with his father’s magnificent accomplishments. Nonetheless, in these unsettled days, it was a distinct pleasure, regardless of the circumstances, to hear life-affirming music played by gifted young artists working at a high level of creative skill.

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The Ravi Coltrane Quartet at Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Todayand Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., $17 cover. Today and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 p.m., $15. Two-drink minimum. (323) 466-2210.