Blending Times
Ravi Coltrane · 2009
56 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of free jazz, where intricate melodies intertwine with spontaneous improvisation and rhythmic fluidity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Shine — Opening the album, this track sets a contemplative tone with its delicate balance of melody and rhythm, showcasing Coltrane's signature saxophone style.
-
→
Epistrophy — A reinterpretation of a classic jazz standard, this track highlights Coltrane's innovative approach to familiar material while maintaining the essence of the original composition.
-
→
For Turiya — This poignant piece stands out for its emotional depth and lyrical phrasing, reflecting Coltrane's tribute to spiritual influences within his musical journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalA vibrant exploration of free jazz with intricate melodies and spontaneous improvisation.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where musicians frequently shift roles, creating a dynamic interplay.
- The first half of the album maintains a more energetic pace, while the latter half introduces slower, contemplative pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies that invite exploration
- long-form improvisations that unfold gradually
- vibrant soundscapes for focused listening
- dynamic rhythms that inspire movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2009, Blending Times is Ravi Coltrane's fourth studio album, marking a period of creative maturity following his previous work, 2007's Metamorphosen. This album showcases Coltrane's deepening exploration of jazz forms and his ability to weave complex narratives through sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Potter· Avishai Cohen· Mark Turner
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shine 5:49
- 2 First Circuit 3:45
- 3 A Still Life 6:17
- 4 Epistrophy 7:48
- 5 Amalgams 4:18
- 6 Narcined 4:49
- 7 One Wheeler Will 7:32
- 8 The Last Circuit 4:18
- 9 Before with After 2:49
- 10 For Turiya 9:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.