Ravi Coltrane is back in Chicago. He performed two sets a night for four nights at the Jazz Showcase in the South Loop.

I attended the late set Saturday evening, and I was not disappointed.

Coltrane is a man of few words. He did not speak to the audience until he introduced his band near the end of his set. Instead, he spoke to them through his music. He and his quintet (pianist Gadi Lehavi, guitarist David Gilmore, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Elé Howell) brought great energy to the sold-out venue. Ravi is a naturally talented musician, as you would expect, given his lineage. Coltrane's father was the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, and his son has adopted his father's instrument and passion for jazz. While not the innovator that his father was, Ravi has great technical chops, which he showed off on this evening. He was also willing to step aside to showcase the talents of his band. Guitarist Gilmare stood out in particular, but every member of the group was outstanding. At times, they seemed to be racing frantically to keep up with one another.

I had the privelege to see Ravi in 2005 when he celebrated the 40th anniversary of his father's classic album "A Love Supreme" by performing the entire set live on stage. He has matured and developed his own style in the 16 years since that concert.

It was an excellent show and a tribute to the strength of the local community that this small neighborhood jazz club can continue to attract national talent like Coltrane.