Ravi Coltrane To Release His Blue Note Debut "Spirit Fiction" On June 19, 2012

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Blue Note Records) Saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane is set to release Spirit Fiction, his debut recording for Blue Note Records, on June 19. The 11-track album features two different band lineups, each with a unique expressive urgency. Several tracks feature Coltrane's long-term quartet with pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Drew Gress and drummer E.J. Strickland. Coltrane also enlisted a quintet featuring trumpeter Ralph Alessi, pianist Geri Allen, bassist James Genus and drummer Eric Harland - the personnel featured on his sophomore release From the Round Box.

Coltrane's label mate and fellow saxophonist Joe Lovano served as co-producer of the album along with Coltrane. "I've always produced my own recordings except for the first one, Moving Pictures, which was produced by Steve Coleman," says Coltrane. "Joe was a truly supportive producer on this project. He has been an important figure in my life for over 20 years." Lovano also plays alongside Coltrane and Allen in an intimate reading of Paul Motian's "Fantasm" and joins the quintet for an explosive version of Ornette Coleman's "Check Out Time," from Coleman's 1968 Blue Note album Love Call. Spirit Fiction also includes six original compositions by Coltrane and three by Alessi.

Having helped mark Blue Note's 70th anniversary as a member of The Blue Note 7, the all-star septet that released the album Mosaic and embarked on an extensive North American tour in 2009, Coltrane is thrilled to join the Blue Note roster. "[Blue Note Chairman Emeritus] Bruce Lundvall has been very supportive of my work and this project. I'm honored to be on Blue Note under his watch. He's very music-driven, which is incredibly encouraging. He's continued the Alfred Lion example of putting music first and taking chances."