KEY POINTS:
A touring American jazz group is such a rare species these days that inevitably the small but dedicated audience for this music turns out in force - although it is not such a crowd that it can even half fill the Town Hall.
But if the quartet members were phased by the numerous empty seats beyond the first dozen or so rows, they didn't show it.
From the uncompromising opening number, led by saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, they dug in for a dense and driving set that drew a standing ovation.
Coltrane's style is one of melodic tautness, full of compressed and sometimes staccato lines, in which he burrows deeper and deeper into an improvisation.
This worked at its best in his treatment of Ornette Coleman's Tribes of New York and in pieces which became increasingly abstract, not quite to the point of free playing but where pianist Luis Perdomo matched him for passionate intensity.
Equally strong was their expanded treatment of The Message, which is simply a promising sketch on their most recent album In Flux.
If drummer EJ Strickland's vigorous kit work was overwhelming in the early pieces, a balance was quickly achieved and his dextrous and angular playing was a highlight in a band that has an intuitive mutual understanding.
And to his credit Coltrane gave them considerable space for themselves.
If there is a criticism to be made it is that this concert rarely soared. Coltrane's abrupt, urgent and tight playing grounded the music in a way which often meant intensity at the expense of melodic uplift.
The rare moments of balladry hinted at great potential but were quickly pulled back for deconstruction and further density.
Clearly that is Coltrane's style and his determination and focus meant the standing ovation after a generously timed concert was much deserved.
He suggested he'd be back and if so then a more intimate venue would be appropriate, a place where the considerable fire-power of this fine quartet would impress even more with its concentrated musical emotion.
REVIEW
* Who: The Ravi Coltrane Quartet
* Where: Auckland Town Hall
