I think it's time I give props to one of the most amazing musicians to ever walk this earth...Rasshan Roland Kirk. First of all this artist was blind from the age of two. Next he was a multi-instrumentalist. But that's not it because you have a substantial amount of artists who are multi-instrumentalists. However, I don't know too many who can stick three different reed instruments in their mouth and play them at the same time{and you call LIL MAN/Prince a genius???}.

That's right this dude can stick three different instruments in his mouth and play them simultaneously. He had amazing technique and was super creative during his solos. In addition to playing several types of saxophones he also was tough on flute, manzello, clarinet{I love to hear this man play the flute}. But check this out, not only would he play several different instruments, he also made them with his own hands.

Just call him a super genius. I don't expect many to respond to this thread because he wasn't very popular even among jazz circles. But check out some of his recordings...like the brillant Rip Rig and Panic and Now Don't You Cry Beautiful Edith and hear why for yourself why I give props to this visionary musician who was often misunderstood by jazz musicians, critics and fans alike. He passed in 1977, but his spirit and music lives on.

BRO915
2/14/2003

funny you bring His Name up just a couple of weeks ago I was blasting His Album along with Yusef Lateef"Seperate But Equal".the Cat was funky&Funny&Gifted Beyond Ears Belief.I Heard&saw a Video with Him going at 3 different Instruments at One time&I was like WOW!!!You Made a Great Pick Here Brother915.a True Genius who you can't really Compare anyone else to.

mistermaxxx said:

Thanks bruh. This brotha surely deserves some props and recogintion. Even if it's from little ole me.

I wrote a small essay(contains of samples and stuff) about the man(with a lil' help from my mother since she's a great fan) 4 the class back when I was in high school but lol it turned out nobody heard of him except the music teacher

Very underrated and overlooked talent. I'm gonna burrow one of his records from my mother.
[This message was edited Fri Feb 14 13:40:31 PST 2003 by Harlepolis]

Brother915 said:

Man Your Knowledge on Music in here&whatnot is as Tops as anyone else in here IMHO.You are Bad Brother.bringing this Cat up truly makes my day.

Harlepolis said:

you will truly feel His Vibe.I enjoyed His Presentation&Freenes in His Work.

Does Your House Have Lions?

I've never listened to that album, but I've always loved the title. Rahsaan seemed to always have great album titles though. The first and only (so far) album I have by Kirk is Left Hook, Right Cross. It's a double shot of his albums Volunteered Slavery and Blacknuss. His interpretations of "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Make It With You," "My Cherie Amour," and "I Say A Little Prayer" are fabulous. I like the unpredictableness of his style, he's a bit goofy with his sense of humor, but he always treated the music with respect. And he played his ass off. I THINK Jimi played a gig with Kirk once.

Supernova said:

Nova, I remember you doing a post in which you listed your all-time favorite jazz,R&B,gospel and funk artists. On your jazz list you had Raashan Roland Kirk on it. Hey, btw I just send off for his Atlantic Records masterwork called The Inflated Tear which is considered by many to be his greatest recording. It sold well too upon it's release. It is digitally remastered too{since you like your discs remastered}. It is a British import. It has the original artwork and all of that. Can't wait for that one to come in the mail. Ordered it through amazon.com. I look to forward to any music that I haven't heard from him{the samples I heard on The Inflated Tear were awesome}. Matter of fact I'm gonna put some Roland Kirk on now!!!

Brother915 said:

Oh yea..Nova, the UK import remastered reissue of Roland Kirk's The Inflated Tear was released in England Novemeber of last year. Can't wait until I get it.

Additonally, I wish to say that Kirk's ability to play these instruments at the same time have labeled him "a circus act"from a lot of his detractors and critics. However, his ability as a soloist, his amazing technique, and the way he expresses himself via his melodic brillance on his instruments is a true counter to those "circus performance" remarks of his critics. His music IS good food for thought.

Brother915 said:

Like many after their demise, I don't think Kirk's work is taken for granted or not taken seriously anymore. At least not by any of the jazz musicians I've heard speak of him. Unfortunately for some artists their deaths have to take them away before some people can listen to their recordings objectively. The same way some of us sometimes take those in our lives for granted while they're alive. Thanks for the info about the remaster, btw.