The Ravi Coltrane Quintet storms into the Village Vanguard (178 7th Avenue South) now through October 27. He will be joined by his regular, able group of stars that include trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.
Coltrane has become a seasoned veteran. I recall first seeing him at the old Iridium when it was across the street from Lincoln Center. That night the dynamic drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts was cooking with the young saxophonist during that period he was playing straight-ahead jazz.
But as he’s matured, his focus has become more exploratory, which is good for the music and its listeners. Coltrane has mixed it up with the likes of rapper Rakim. That was a crazy night to see, Coltrane on the Sony Hall stage with Rakim flowing with his crew; ironically the great Kenny Garrett was in the audience that night. Coltrane has also collaborated in varied configurations with such innovative musicians as harpist Brandee Younger. The music will be fresh, inventive and captivating — after all his name is Coltrane! Two shows each night at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information and reservations visit villagevanguard.com.
On Oct. 24-27 Dizzy’s jazz club (10 Columbus Circle) welcomes the Big Band Sound of Rufus Reid, accomplished bassist and Grammy-nominated composer. Reid’s performance will highlight intricate compositions that honor the tradition of swinging jazz while incorporating elements of classical music. Reid has usually performed with small ensembles (Dexter Gordon, Lee Konitz, and Eddie Harris); here we will witness his mesmerizing big band sound reminiscent of those swinging days with Duke and Count Basie in Harlem. Reid will be joined by an accomplished cast of musicians, too many to name, but the band will be conducted by Dennis Mackrel. Two shows each night at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. For reservations visit jazz.org.
On Oct. 26, Sista’s Place (456 Nostrand Ave), Brooklyn’s oasis with the immense sound, will present saxophonist Mike Monford & Innovative Energy, an in-depth explosive band that will knock your socks off. The band features those musicians who at some point were considered rising stars. Though accomplished, they are still evolving to greater heights: trumpeter Josh Evans, bassist Barry Stephenson, the first-call drummer Joe Dyson, pianist Sharp Radway (Randy Weston’s protégé) and the Cuban vocalist, songwriter and activist Melvis Santa. When you hear these names, make it a point to see them leading their own bands! Two shows at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Call (718) 398-1766 or visit sistasplace.org.
NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson goes under the aliases of “Sweet Lou,” “Poppa Lou,” and “Sweet Poppa Lou.” It doesn’t matter which name you prefer, just know he pioneered the soul strut in jazz and his blues is so sweet, they call him “Sweet Lou.” He was the Rodney Dangerfield of jazz, full of jokes and known for wearing his signature hip suits and ties.
On Oct. 30, join the celebration as Donaldson celebrates his 98th birthday as part of the Ertegun Hall of Fame series, at Dizzy’s jazz club. Donaldson’s illustrious journey traveled through the bebop era to hard bop to the now. All the while, Donaldson possessed a distinctive bluesy soul sound that could not be duplicated, and let’s not forget his hilarious song “Whiskey Drinking Woman.”
The all-star cast performing will include former band members and proteges, not to mention the many surprise musicians, who will show up for Lou. The music director will be vocalist/pianist Champian Fulton, alto saxophonist Nick Hempton, organist Kyle Koehler,
guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Fukushi Tainaka.
Donaldson has retired and lives in Florida hanging at the pool, telling jokes and sharing stories — from the book of a legendary alto saxophonist. All the best! Happy Happy birthday Poppa Lou, catch you at the party or on Zoom. Celebration at 7 p.m. For tickets visit jazz.org.
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On Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m., come out to Jazz Jam for Kamala at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church (16-20 Mt. Morris Park West at 122nd Street). Some of the performers for this most important event will be saxophonist Bill Saxton, trombonist Craig Harris and pianist Bertha Hope, to name a few. This event is sponsored by NY State Senator Cordell Cleare and Committee.