Rahsaan Rahsaan

Rahsaan Rahsaan

Rahsaan Rahsaan

ASIN: B00006GF97

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Featuring Kirk and the Vibration Society. Originally released in 1970. Classics 'Satin Doll' and 'Sentimental Journey' are interpreted along with Rahsaan Roland Kirks seventeen minute suite 'The Seeker'. 2002.

Rahsaan Rahsaan,Rahsaan Roland Kirk & The Vibration Society,Collectables,Avant-Garde,Avant-Garde Jazz,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop
After Hours
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another good album by a great singer and writer.
  • SO HOT!!!
  • Fantastic
  • Not The Best, But Still Good
  • After Hours
 After Hours
Rahsaan Patterson
Manufacturer: Artistry Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Contemporary R&BContemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Love in Stereo
  2. Rahsaan Patterson
  3. The Love Experience
  4. Outrun the Sky
  5. Van Hunt

ASIN: B00065U0PO
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

  1. The One For Me
  2. I Always Find Myself
  3. So Hot
  4. Burnin'
  5. Loving You
  6. The Best
  7. Don't Run So Fast
  8. You Make Life So Good
  9. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
  10. Separate
  11. April's Kiss
  12. Forever Yours
  13. Sometimes (You Gotta Let Go) followed by Prelude: After Hours (Gone Is The Love)

Album Description

Rahsaan Patterson continues to redefine soul music with his third body-moving collection, "After Hours". The highly anticipated follow up to "Love In Stereo" and "Rahsaan Patterson," "After Hours" scintillates with smooth grooves, undeniable melodies and soaring vocals that can only be delivered by Patterson. Van Hunt, Jamey Jaz and Steve Hurley return as Patterson's core writing and production team, delivering a groove that will keep you moving after hours. Features the hits "The One For Me," "Separate," and "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" plus 3 bonus tracks not featured on international versions.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Another good album by a great singer and writer........2007-03-15

I have all three of his albums and this one I confider to be more jazzy and romantic. I still cannot believe that Rahsaan is not known worldwide because he has great singing and song writing skills that is being ignored. I wish that a major record company will take notice and sign him up. I love to hear him sing and always will. Some of the other male artists out there, don't have half the talent he has and they are making big bucks and well known. Rahsaan's music is real music that I can listen to all day. I am spreading the word about this Artist.

5 out of 5 stars SO HOT!!!.......2007-02-10

Literally, I listen to all three of Rahsaan's CD daily while at work. I remember watching him on 'Kids Incorporated' some years ago in the '80's. He was an proformer then, not only can he sing his is a excellent songwriter as well. We have been listening to his work for years but did not know it, Rahsaan I love your work. I can't wait for the next CD, I know it will be just as HOT as 'After Hours'.

M.Cobbs

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2006-11-09

I am very fortunate to have come upon Rahsaan's music by chance. This CD is outstanding. I am a new fan!!! I bought Rahsaan Patterson first and could not stop listening to it so I just had to buy this CD. My ears are singing praise!!!

4 out of 5 stars Not The Best, But Still Good.......2006-07-02

If I haven't listened to his former two albums,I would give 5 stars without hesitate...But still a good album! His vocal is sooooooo incredible! Funky Guy..

Great tracks: One For Me,I Always Find Myself,So Hot, Loving You, The Best, You Make Life So Good, Seperate, Yeah Yeah Yeah...Huh,Almost every one!

5 out of 5 stars After Hours.......2006-04-10

This album features stellar vocals, beautiful lyrics and exceptional overall production so why has the mainstream not heard of this artist? I agree with a previous reviewer's comment that there seems to be a conspiracy to silence the truly talented neo-soulsters but Rahsaan Patterson just keeps rolling out terrific albums.

As I listen to this disc again & again, I feel sad that another breakthrough talent, John Legend has received all kinds of accolades and press while Rahsaan is known largely within the wide circle of fans who know how truly magnificent & consistently excellent his music is. I'm not knocking John Legend but it's sad to think that because of whose "crew" one hangs with an automatic pass is given while other equally talented musician/songwriter/singers in r&b are ignored by the mainstream.

I especially loved the tracks Rahsaan worked on with Van Hunt. These two collaborate so well & the sound they create is funky, soulful & original which makes them stand out a little more from the other tracks.

My favorites are: SEPARATE, APRIL'S KISS (magnificent love song), THE ONE FOR ME, BURNIN', SOMETIMES (YOU GOTTA LET GO), THE BEST, SO HOT & DON'T RUN SO FAST.

Rahsaan makes it hard to recommend which disc to get first for the uninitiated but in my opinion, LOVE IN STEREO was his best work followed very closely by this one then his debut. Frankly you can't go wrong by picking any one of his 3 releases first since they're all equally magnificent (hate to keep using this word but it fits this artist).
Rahsaan Patterson
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Artist that got over-looked.
  • Solid Debut of Simplicity
  • Good Grown-Folks Music
  • Great songwriting and Great Vocals............
  • Outstanding
 Rahsaan Patterson
Rahsaan Patterson
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Contemporary R&BContemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Love in Stereo
  2. After Hours
  3. The Colored Section
  4. Van Hunt
  5. Subject

ASIN: B000002P4V
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

  1. Stop By
  2. Spend The Night
  3. Where You Are
  4. So Fine
  5. Stay a While
  6. Come Over
  7. Can't We Wait A Minute
  8. Joy
  9. My Sweetheart
  10. One More Night
  11. Don't Wanna Lose It
  12. Tears Ago
  13. Ain't No Way
  14. Soul Free

Amazon.com

Stevie Wonder's influence is especially obvious in the music of 23-year-old Rahsaan Patterson, who not only imitates the syncopated keyboard phrasing of his hero's records but also impersonates Wonder's vocal tone as well. Sometimes the similarities are too close for comfort. Fortunately, Patterson comes up with chorus melodies that sound as catchy as his model's without sounding like any Wonder song in particular. "Stop By" uses old-fashioned wah-wah guitar and slap-funk bass to create a compelling push-and- pull rhythm that the singer elaborates into a giddy chorus of infatuation. "Joy," Patterson's a cappella tribute to his New York church roots, finds the young vocalist holding his own with the singers of Take 6. Even the three numbers that Patterson didn't cowrite boast strong, Wonder-ful hooks, but the best are found in the seven songs cowritten by Patterson and his keyboardist Jamey Jaz. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Artist that got over-looked........2007-03-15

I bought this CD and cannot stop listening to it. I was very pleased with his singing and song writing skills. This is one male artist that did not get the recognition and promotion that he deserved for this album.
What a shame. There are fans out there that know of his work and will continue to support him, such as myself. This album should have went platinum.

Ardelia PK

3 out of 5 stars Solid Debut of Simplicity.......2007-02-03

What captivates me the most about Rahsaan Patterson is his voice, and the way he uses it. He is blessed with a unique, strong voice. With his solid debut, his voice shines the entire time. I enjoyed this album, but his later works definitely show growth and maturity in his voice as well as his lyrics. If I were to describe Patterson's debut in one word, I would use "simple". Nothing about this album is overdone, the lyrics are good but profound, the production is solid but not the best, and the overall feel of the album is nice and laid back. I always appreciate live instruments on an album. To me, it personalizes the album and the sound of the artist, as opposed to a studio made beat with repetitive loops.
"Where You Are" and "Can't We Wait A Minute" are easily the most outstanding songs on the album. "Can't We Wait A Minute", lyrically, is the best song on the album. This song is about a man being in love for the first time, and his inability to believe just how good it feels. He just wants to stay in that moment of being in love. This song moves me with every listen. "Where You Are" is one of the many mid tempo tracks found on Rahsaan Patterson's debut. This song is about a man who is insecure financially, but striving to make more money so he can keep the relationship between he and his woman in tact. "Stop By" and "Stay Awhile" are both mediocre mid tempo tracks. Both contain heavy bass and a silky sound by Patterson. "Tears Ago" is one of the better songs on the album, which is about nostalgia in a past relationship. I really appreciate how Patterson expanded his voice on this song. "Soul Free" is another great number, it definitely stands out on this album. This album is about being free as it's title reveals. I always enjoy and appreciate acapellas from artists and here, Patterson gives us "Joy". He gives us a beautiful falsetto and a creative vocal arrangement with this song. It's about the goodness of God; it's very heartfelt.
Rahsaan Patterson is an extremely talented musical artist. He wrote and produced most of the material on this debut of his. Not many artists can showcase such talent on their first album. He is one of the best artists of our time and he needs to be heard more frequently on radio and in video. I recommend this album to those who enjoy a nice male singing voice, live instruments, and a mellow feel.

Mikeisha's Top 5.

1. Where You Are
2. Cant We Wait A Minute
3. Soul Free
4. Joy
5. One More Night

5 out of 5 stars Good Grown-Folks Music.......2007-01-18

I purchased this CD when it was first released. One of my young neighbor aksed to borrow it after hearing it blasting from my car everytime I pulled in the driveway. I was happy to turn him on to some good music. Unfortunatley, Hurricane Katrina caused me to lose contact with my neighbor-friend and my C.D. I'm purchasing this one again because I remember how much I enjoyed it. This is a rejuvinating yet relaxing (in that neo-soul kinda way) C.D. Hope to see Rahsaan live again at the Essence Fest.

5 out of 5 stars Great songwriting and Great Vocals...................2007-01-14

This was my joint back in 98. The whole thing is a smash. Just put it on and chill. Nuff Said.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2006-11-09

I would buy this CD again. I bought it about 3 months ago and I can not stop listening to it. Rahsaan is not getting recognized for this CD and what a shame!
Love in Stereo
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A very strong Stive Wonder Influence
  • A Man that can really sing and write songs.
  • Jazzy...
  • Ehhhhh, It's okay.
  • A Travesty That This CD and This Artist Is Virtually Ignored!!
 Love in Stereo
Rahsaan Patterson
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Contemporary R&BContemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
R&BR&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Rahsaan Patterson
  2. After Hours
  3. The Love Experience
  4. The Colored Section
  5. Subject

ASIN: B000028TU9
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Treat You Like A Queen
  2. Sure Boy
  3. It's Alright Now
  4. Do You Feel The Way I Do
  5. Friend Of Mine
  6. The Day
  7. It Ain't Love
  8. Humor
  9. The Moment
  10. So Right
  11. Any Other Love
  12. Get Here

Amazon.com

Rahsaan Patterson's Love in Stereo was the most exhilarating and, certainly, the most overlooked R&B release of 1999. It's confounding why an album so jubilant, so self-assured, and so unequivocally soulful didn't even garner a top 10 hit for the multitalented Patterson, who wrote, produced, and sang on all 12 of its inspired tracks. Laden with unforgettable hooks, blissful melodies, and fat, luscious grooves, the songs on Patterson's sophomore release reveal a reverence for the past, namely the glorious 1970s albums of Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield. But, crooning in a crystalline tenor, the native New Yorker creates a funky-yet-meditative sound that's all his own. Patterson mixes in gospel stylings ("The Day"), horn-driven funk à la Earth, Wind & Fire ("Any Other Love"), and political commentary ("Treat You Like A Queen," which speaks to the issue of domestic violence), while conveying a sentiment sorely lacking in much of today's monotonous R&B playing field: pure musical uplift. --Sylvia W. Chan

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A very strong Stive Wonder Influence.......2007-06-07

This is the only album I have of his but, I think it might be his best. The reason I have not run out to buy his other cd's is because, some of his songs are the same from one album to the next but, he is still a good artist. An example of this is, Get Here on this album and Where you Are on the last, same song! also two songs on his After Hours album, So Hot and Burnin same song!. Ok on a positive note, the song writing is top notch and......

4 out of 5 stars A Man that can really sing and write songs........2007-03-01

I finally bought this CD and I really like it. He is a good singer and the music compliments each song. He is sooo under-rated and I can't believe why. I would love to see him in Concert. He songs are really soothing and funky. I hope he will be around a long time bring us this good music. We need good male singers that can sing and peform without taking off their clothes to get attention. His album should have had more publicity.

Ardelia Parker-Killings

5 out of 5 stars Jazzy..........2007-02-10

Soulful, pop, rock and more rolled up into one. There is nothing more I can say about Rahsaan Patterson's work other than if you don't have his CD's you are missing out on some great music. Ten stars, change the rating system.

M.Cobbs

3 out of 5 stars Ehhhhh, It's okay. .......2006-06-06

I have to confess. As steadfast to my own opinions on music, and as contrarian and elitist I feel that I am when discerning great music from [...], I can still be swayed by old fashioned hype. Rahsaan Patterson's "Love In Stereo" is a perfect example of what can happen when you buy into the hoopla. Now don't take this wrong. This brother is ultra talented and a hell of a fine singer, but ultimately the product's gotta stand up to the praise. That being said, this album's not bad, it's just not that good. Not from a musical standpoint, because the playing is funky and phenomenal throughout. A tight band, well written lyrics, and solid production (Sure Boy & Treat You Like A Queen are nice) usually makes for a banger. In this case inexplicably, it all fails to gel for me. I think my biggest hang-ups are the lack of replay value and the absence of a kick a** ballad, a must for my tastes. I honestly cannot see myself reaching for this album for repeat listens. As much as I love strong "neo-soul" music, as far as albums go, I'd rather listen to any of Jill Scott's, Kindred's or Kem's releases before "Love In Stereo". Hell, give me D'Angelo's "Voodoo" (the genre's gold standard imo) or Bilal's "First Born Second" all day every day.

Much of this release sounds a lot like what one might hear at a good open mic function or a nice soul cafe. Strong enough to grab your interest, just not quite good enough to keep it. I must tell you that this is my first purchase of RP's. I saw him on Tom Joyner's show one night, and he killed it. He reminds me greatly of Stokely from Mint Condition who is one of my top male singers in the game. I got curious, and read the reviews here, and decided I'd grab one of his early works to start. This time I'll pick up one of his later albums. I'm hoping I won't be dissapointed. He's way too talented to let me down again. At least I'm hoping.

5 out of 5 stars A Travesty That This CD and This Artist Is Virtually Ignored!!.......2006-02-09

Rahsaan Patterson is a great talent who has
released 3 great albums of material since 1997..
but this one, to my ear, is the best so far!
It's a shame that only a small few really know
about this guy who can write, arrange, produce,
play multiple instruments and sing his natural
you-know-what off!
He has a lot of Chaka Khan in his phrasing
and he has an unusally high voice for a man
to some people and most of black radio will
only play a select few of his cuts late at night....
what a waste!
The highlights of this CD are "It's Alright",
"Sure Boy", "The Day", and two others whose
titles escape me right now but this whole CD
is nice!...Trust!

I hate that he was dropped from his deal with
MCA/Universal last year and had to release his
latest "After Hours" on a european indie
that has little or no distibution so once again,
like this great album, he gets no love from
mainstream radio, video, etc.

Rahsaan and Jon B. are the most overlooked
talents in urban music today!
Rip, Rig & Panic/Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An Ideal Port Of Entry Into Rahsaanapolis
  • What Happened?
  • Roland Kirk Rips.....Not To Mention Rig & Panic!
  • Only 3 People Reviewed This, LOL!
  • So much fun
 Rip, Rig & Panic/Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000004747
Release Date: 1990-03-21

Tracks:

  1. No Tonic Press
  2. Once In A While
  3. From Bechet, Byas, And Fats
  4. Mystical Dreams
  5. Rip, Rig, And Panic
  6. Black Diamonds
  7. Slippery, Hippery, Flippery
  8. Blue Rol
  9. Alfie
  10. Why Don't They Know
  11. Silverlization
  12. Fallout
  13. Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith
  14. Stompin' Grounds
  15. It's A Grand Night For Swinging

Amazon.com

Roland Kirk was a sublime one-man musical circus, whether playing three reeds at once, overblowing a flute, blasting a whistle to end a solo, or simply playing tenor saxophone with as much passion and invention as almost any other musician in jazz. This CD combines two complete Kirk LPs, Rip, Rig and Panic from 1965 and Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith from 1967. The former is justifiably one of Kirk's most famous records, and it has possibly the most incendiary backing group he ever recorded with--secure, inventive, and prodding. Fueled by Jaki Byard's contrapuntal comping and flights into stride and atonality, Richard Davis's edge-of-the-beat bass lines, and Elvin Jones's polyrhythmic drumming, Kirk responds aggressively. His tenor improvisations on "No Tonic Pres" and "From Byas, Bechet, and Fats" are volcanic, while his manzello (a single reed in the soprano saxophone range) is piquantly lyrical on "Black Diamonds." Always an innovator, Kirk adds electronically altered sounds to "Slippery, Hippery, Flippery" and shattering glass to the brilliant title piece. The later session is relatively subdued but still distinguished, with a more conventional rhythm section in pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, bassist Ronnie Boykins, and drummer Grady Tate. "Blue Rol" has Kirk paying glorious tribute to the Ellington reed section, playing three horns at once before using circular breathing on manzello and then turning in a tenor solo worthy of an Ellingtonian like Ben Webster or Harold Ashby. "Why Don't They Know" is percolating bossa nova, while the title tune is a beautiful ballad. This is essential Kirk, and also a perfect introduction to his work. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An Ideal Port Of Entry Into Rahsaanapolis.......2007-05-27

This CD combines two of Roland Kirk's most celebrated albums, one volcanic, the other luscious. Rip, Rig and Panic is renowned because of the astounding line-up, Jaki Byard on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and the redoubtable Elvin Jones kickin' skins. (Jones has never sounded better.) The other, Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith, sounds like lounge jazz by comparison. The lineup is strong, but simply not in the same league as Rip, Rig and Panic. Still, the album contains some of Rahsaan's most appealing work, including the title track. In this respect it provides listeners, especially, newcomers, a good overview of the diverse landscapes of Rahsaanapolis.

This said, it would require a truck equipped with extra heavy-duty suspension to deliver the box set providing a comprehensive tour of Rahsaanapolis. Kirk was a man of profound contradictions, relentless experimentation, and an unquenchable appetite for music. He has been largely overlooked by jazz historians (to say nothing of the public!) and unfairly tagged as a novelty act because of his propensity for playing multiple horns simultaneously and actually making his own reed instruments out of bits and pieces of other reed instruments. Rock producer Billy Graham once said of Kirk, "He wasn't just angry, he was Nina Simone angry." True, and yet he was capable of playing music so fragile and beautiful it might reduce a serial killer to tears - check out I Talk With The Spirits.

One of Kirk's many contradictions was that, despite his intense need to push music into uncharted territory - frequently in several directions at once - listening to him was always a Master's Class in music history. No jazz musician has ever been so aware of his roots, or anxious to share them with you. Who else could take you from Sidney Bechet, Don Byas, and Fats Waller all the way to Burt Bacharach and Hal David - and have the trip make sense? At one point in the breathtaking album Rahsaan Rahsaan, Kirk says, "Thank you, Bird" in such a casual, comfortable tone of voice it's as though Charlie Parker had just left the room. In a sense, that's exactly what did happen, because the musicians Kirk studied came alive in his music, in his respect for them and in his confidence as he interpreted them and developed their ideas.

It's tempting to point out that Kirk was blind, and perhaps, like others before him, his stunning ear was partly attributable to this. But for Kirk, a heightened ability to listen was only the starting point. Kirk played everything he touched, and he played with unparalleled intensity. His flute playing was memorable, but his tenor sax work was simply off the map. Kirk belongs in the pantheon with Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Eric Dolphy, and John Coltrane - indeed, he's already there, it's just that the mainstream hasn't noticed yet. I'm not aware of any Rahsaan Roland Kirk CD that isn't worth the price of admission, but for veterans and first time visitors to Rahsaanapolis alike, this CD is especially select.

2 out of 5 stars What Happened?.......2005-02-06

In reviewing the music, I found that this is not the same Rip, Rig and Panic from 1982. I cannot find any recordings from then. Where is that music?

5 out of 5 stars Roland Kirk Rips.....Not To Mention Rig & Panic!.......2004-08-22

Because he played multiple instruments at the same time Roland Kirk sometimes got the rap that he was gimmicky. He was not gimmicky, he was unique. And if you want to discuss single instruments he was a master tenor saxophonist. "Rip, Rig and Panic" is one of the most unique and passionate recordings ever made. (A word of warning: it is not music for those who like their jazz playing quietly in the background.) Not only do you get Roland at his inventive best, you also get the always fascinating Jaki Byard on piano and the fiery rhythm section of Richard Davis and Elvin Jones. And the fact that you also get a second Roland Kirk recording, "Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith," on this CD makes it a doubly appealing purchase for those who want some Kirk in their collections. While not in the same league as "Rip...," "...Edith" is a fine outing for Kirk, pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, bassist Ronald Boykins, and drummer Grady Tate. I once had the pleasure of hearing Roland play in person. He ripped as he does on "Rip, Rig and Panic."

5 out of 5 stars Only 3 People Reviewed This, LOL!.......2004-04-06

It is kind of amazing how underatted Roland Kirk still is today. Seriously some of this stuff is a catchy as many of Miles Davis and John Coltrane's most famous works. It is truly silly, you cannot find this is any store (even borders or barnes and noble) and can only find this online. And he is backed by Elvin Jones. Sheesh are they rough on Roland or what. Someday we need to stick it to the "man" and Roland needs praise,!

5 out of 5 stars So much fun.......2000-08-11

I have over 40 discs by Rahsaan and it's hard to give any less than 5 stars. This really has a number of good tunes and just romps and rolls. Probably one of his more tongue-in-cheek records next to 3 sided dream. Feel free to email me about Rahsaan.
Bright Moments
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Genius Punches In For Work, And You Are There
  • One of my favorite records ever
  • What more needs to be said?
  • I was there!
  • Well worth the wait
 Bright Moments
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000332I
Release Date: 1993-09-28

Tracks:

  1. Introduction
  2. Pedal Up
  3. You'll Never Get To Heaven
  4. Clickety Clack
  5. Prelude To A Kiss
  6. Talk (Electric Nose)
  7. Fly Town Nose Blues

Tracks:

  1. Talk (Bright Moments)
  2. Bright Moments Song
  3. Dem Red Beans And Rice
  4. If I Loved You
  5. Talk (Fats Waller)
  6. Jitterbug Waltz
  7. Second Line Jump

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Genius Punches In For Work, And You Are There.......2005-12-14

Roland Kirk in person was something you just don't forget. He seemed able to do anything, and capable of doing anything. Some of his on stage raps and antics got him thrown out of clubs - flagged for life. "Volunteered Slavery" has some excellent live tracks, as does "Here Comes The Whistle Man", but Bright Moments does the best job of putting you inside the experience of a Rahsaan club date. It's a real musical journey and shows what a marvelous student of jazz he was. From the tasty tribute to Fats Waller, Jitterbug Waltz, to the NOLA visit, Dem Red Beans and Rice, Roland takes you traveling through space and time. The title track is an anthem delivered tenderly on flute, a loving dedication to the entire audience. (Kirk's flute playing ranked him #2 after Dolphy.) When he breaks out You'll Never Get To Heaven, and If I loved You, you can almost hear the club creaking on its foundations, he simply wears them out. Roland got his hat, no more live shows. But thanks to this CD, you can get pretty close.

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorite records ever.......2005-06-19

Rahsaan Roland Kirk is one of the most interesting, if not the most interesting character in the history of American music. To top it off he was extremly talanted player. This recording is one of the few recordings I believe if one opens itself to, will take you out the doldrums no matter what tradegy has happened in this lifetime. Everything is essential here - the music, the crowd, the excellent sound, the rants, ect

5 out of 5 stars What more needs to be said?.......2004-01-05

As Mr Kirk's musical/historical life has been well documented, I can only add a few things.

I first heard Rahsaan , listening outside a famous (and now defunkt) Chicago nightclub years years ago, and was one of many musical epifanies I have had the pleasure to experience thru the years.

I rank Rahsaan Roland Kirk as one in my pantheon of musical , almost other worldly inspirations.
(If curious, this includes Hermeto Pascoal, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Coltrane, Mingus, Sun Ra, Duke Ellington, Astor Piazzola, Gil Evans, ..you see the foto unfold, no?

This recording, "ao vivo"(live) is a great chance for those who were not lucky enough to hear the mestre perform, in person or on filme.

This recording gives much time to Rahsaan's priceless onstage verbalisings, revealing even more of his soul and mind than the sounds of his various reeds/winds articulate!

Musically, with his "craque" grupo (longtime associates), there are so many highlights ;

"Pedal Up", a modal homanagem to Coltrane

A luscious "Jitterbug Waltz" , equal parts "tradition" and Kirk's "de-composition" of the Fats Waller classic

As always, Rahsaan mines the great popular musics of Bert Bacharach and burns "You Will Never Get to Heaven"

"Prelude to a Kiss", Rahsaanelligtonia
,and of course his classic "Bright Moments"(talk and "song"!)

First rate Rahsaan , and only 1000000000 stars of course!

5 out of 5 stars I was there!.......2003-08-06

Rahsaan was always very talkative and funny. I first saw him at a small club in Berkeley around 1972. Between sets as he was being led to the front of the club by one of his musicians, I told him I was doing a review of his performance for the college newspaper. He just said, "no falsehoods!"
I got to see him this last time at the Keystone Korner in San Francisco in 1974 and the crowd hung on to every note and every sentence. I remember Rahsaan being very funny especially with his nose flute and the way he'd make rumbling noises when he played the regular flute. And he was always making funny statements during songs such as--"try playing like this, Herbie Mann!" He was a joy to see and hear.

5 out of 5 stars Well worth the wait.......2001-06-16

This is another one of those recordings that took awhile to turn up in CD, but it was worth the wait. There may be Rahsaan releases that are more significant as jazz works, but this one is full of great and varied tunes, great playing and great times. A good place to start with Rahsaan, and also an excellent example of a live album that really conveys the "feel" of the performance and atmosphere. As a musician and personality, the guy is huge (you don't see a lot of great nose flute players anymore). And a master interpreter. The cover of "You'll Never Get to Heaven" alone is worth the price of admission!!
Kirk's Work
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Kirk's Work
    Rahsaan Roland Kirk , and Jack McDuff
    Manufacturer: Prestige
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Avant Garde & Free JazzAvant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000OLHG5C
    Release Date: 2007-05-01

    Tracks:

    1. Three For Dizzy
    2. Makin' Whoopee
    3. Funk Underneath
    4. Kirk's Work
    5. Doin' the Sixty-Eight
    6. Too Late Now
    7. Skater's Waltz
    I Talk With the Spirits
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Spirits In Our Midst
    • Get the vinyl if you can
    • I always suspected he talked to spirits ...
    • So much to listen to and feel good!
    • Loving the flutin' talkin' thing
    		 I Talk With the Spirits
    Rahsaan Roland Kirk
    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00000AFEU
    Release Date: 1998-09-29

    Tracks:

    1. Serenade To A Cuckoo
    2. We'll Be Together Again People (From Funny Face)
    3. A Quote From Clifford Brown
    4. Trees
    5. Fugue'n And Alludin'
    6. The Business Ain't Nothin' But The Blues
    7. I Talk With The Spirits
    8. Ruined Castles
    9. Django
    10. My Ship (From Lady In The Dark)

    Amazon.com

    Recorded in 1964, I Talk with the Spirits is one of Roland Kirk's most revered, yet scarce, concept albums. It was the first and only time that the innovative multi-instrumentalist would focus entirely on flutes. The result is a bizarre, otherworldly album on which beautiful ballads, blues-inflected vocalization, and iconic humor easily coalesce. Propelled by the supple rhythm section of pianist Horace Parlan, bassist Michael Fleming, and drummer Walter Perkins and special appearances by vocalist Crystal Joy Albert and Bob Moses on vibraphone, Kirk delivers a mixed bag of well-worn classics ("We'll Be Together Again," "People," and "My Ship") plus brilliant originals, like the wonderfully nutty "Serenade to a Cuckoo" and the haunting, Japanese-influenced title track. Although gimmicky and dated at places, this is essential Kirk. --John Murph

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Spirits In Our Midst.......2006-05-13

    In the interests of full disclosure I should admit that it is difficult for me to be impartial when speaking about Rahsaan Roland Kirk. I met him, I heard him perform numerous times, (all the way from grungy clubs to Carnegie Hall), and I collected his work passionately. With the death of Coltrane, Kirk led the pack of pretenders to the throne, and he was quick to acknowledge his debt.

    Sadly, Rahsaan is remembered best for the novelty side of his persona, playing multiple instruments simultaneously, on stage antics, and commentary that was often bawdy, outrageous, and bitter. This is a shame because when you strip away the veneer what remains is sheer virtuosity, Kirk was technically untouchable. He was a tireless student of jazz and his restless need to know and do as much as possible actually caused him to create various hybrid reed instruments. Kirk played whatever he touched; indeed, in his hands everything became an instrument. While it was his rip-snorting tenor sax that put him on the map, he saved his purest poetry and gentleness for that most humble and ancient of all instruments, the flute.

    This is what makes I Talk With The Spirits such a special, and highly collectible, CD - it is Kirk's only effort exclusively featuring flute playing. As is always the case with Rahsaan, it's odd and wonderful. Serenade To A Cuckoo is delightfully upbeat, as is Fugue'n and Alludin'. A Quote From Clifford Brown cooks while The Business Ain't Nothin' But The Blues shows you how Kirk can turn the flute into a blues instrument - try that Herbie Mann!

    The title track almost embodies the word ethereal, it borders on an out-of-body experience. But then, the entire CD resonates on a serene, celestial frequency - spiritual soul food. Listening to this CD makes you realize that Kirk was perfectly capable of playing with impeccable beauty if he wanted - meaning that his rants of near hysterical outrageousness were not the product of some undisciplined malcontent but rather the expression of precisely what he wanted to say at that moment.

    This exquisite CD has been lovingly re-mastered and actually sounds better than the original. Thank you to the folks at Verve for bringing back this must-have masterpiece.

    5 out of 5 stars Get the vinyl if you can.......2005-10-14

    The music of Roland's I always liked best was 'I Talk with the Spirits', an album exclusively devoted to him playing the flute. Spiritual and lyrical, just a beautiful record. I rescued the LP from the family home and have had it for the last 30 or so years and play it now and again, preferably late at night.

    On playing the CD, I find for the first time in my career as a listener that I can detect a difference between the sound of an LP and that of a CD. Pedantic musical types go on about the way digital recordings strip away extraneous, almost inaudible layers of sound, upper and lower harmonics, ambience. Perhaps because this is flute music, full of harmonics that only bats and dogs usually listen to, I actually notice these missing levels on the CD. At times the main flute line sounds artificially pure, but crude and unshaded compared to the LP. There are times when Roland vocalises through the flute: this sounds like wind rushing through wires and leaves, crossed with someone breaking down a door, v. powerful and expressive. But on the CD there is not quite the same range, it is flattened out, and the coarse pungency of the notes is partly lost.

    But don't despair! -- this is still a lovely album, and if you haven't the LP for comparison your enjoyment will be unimpaired. It may all be just in my mind...

    Tom J

    5 out of 5 stars I always suspected he talked to spirits ..........2001-12-08

    This is a great album of light 60's lounge-y music, but is still so deep at the same time. Kirk has the remarkable ability to remain private while performing, to the extent that one can't help but know that it's all coming from the purest place. It's universal truth, coming through. Next to that, Horace Parlan on piano, though an able accompanist, sounds formulaic at times (I say this in spite of Kirk's praise of him on the album) which may be why the Clifford Brown number falls flat (although flat for Kirk is still good!). But for someone as exceptional as Kirk, it had to be rare to hear him with musicians who could really stand beside him. Michael Fleming is decent on bass, but mainly stays out of Kirk's way, keeping up his own end. That leaves us with Kirk and his remarkable sounds, able to do his thing unencumbered - the way it should be.

    5 out of 5 stars So much to listen to and feel good!.......2001-07-05

    Are their musicians like this anymore? With a title like "I Talk With The Spirits", one would imagine that sizable goods were in order. While no one track can speak representatively for the entire effort, not even the title track, one cannot fail to be astonished by the spectrum of moods and ideas that flow through these ten pieces. The experience is uncommonly artistic and uncompromising but never strains the ear or mind. On this album of flute-based sessions, one is in the presence of a very fertile imagination, a setlist genius who touches the many colors of jazz yet delivers it all in a human-sized package. For the presence of cuckoo clock, japanese music box, the numerous moments of extended flute technique (keypad percussion, simultaneous singing and playing, & other extramusical noises), and brief parsings of studio commentary, tags like "gimmicky" and "dated" have been attached by others. But to my ears it is pure time-defying magic. This is jazz plus Rahsaan, he is the extra ingredient that makes music special, to make you feel nothing but good all over, as if you might be in the presence of a weirdly beautiful, but beneficent shaman. As a free-range whole, arranged and executed by a poet's poet, clearly and constantly musical, this album has the mark of unsurpassed integrity. The superb digitally remastered sound is warmly focused and tactile, just the way it should be in the home. Give it up to Rahsaan.

    5 out of 5 stars Loving the flutin' talkin' thing.......2000-09-13

    This is the best example of Rahsaan's flute work which is the best around. So few flute players worth listening to, and this ain't no Herbie Mann, no. How can anyone possibly play flute and sing at the same time??? no one but rahsaan. He also plays two flutes simultaneously (one nose flute). I am not sure whether he does it on this one or not. I have close to 40 Rahsaan discs and each and every song is unique. Feel free to email me about Rahsaan.
    Does Your House Have Lions: The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Anthology
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The New York City Public Critique Of Instrumental Reason
    • "Say A Little Prayer" meets "A Love Supreme"
    • a great introductory collection but not cohesive enough.
    • It is a great Best-Of... but being a Best-Of is the problem
    • brillant
    		 Does Your House Have Lions: The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Anthology
    Rahsaan Roland Kirk
    Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. The Great Concert of Charles Mingus
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    ASIN: B00000332F
    Release Date: 1993-09-28

    Tracks:

    1. Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
    2. Conversation
    3. Bye Bye Blackbird
    4. Horses (Monogram/Republic)
    5. If I Loved You
    6. Old Rugged Cross
    7. Ain't No Sunshine
    8. Volunteered Slavery
    9. Seasons
    10. Introduction
    11. Medley
    12. The Black and Crazy Blues
    13. I Say A Little Prayer
    14. Medley

    Tracks:

    1. The Inflated Tear
    2. Blacknuss
    3. I Love You Yes I Do
    4. Portrait of Those Beautiful Ladies
    5. Water for Robeson and Williams
    6. A Laugh for Rory
    7. The Entertainer (Done in the Style of the Blues)
    8. Black Root
    9. Carney and Begard Place
    10. Anysha
    11. Making Love After Hours
    12. Freaks for the Festival
    13. Sesroh
    14. Bye Bye Blackbird
    15. Conversation
    16. Three for the Festival
    17. Bright Moments

    Amazon.com

    The Charles Mingus set ends with Kirk blowing tenor sax on Mingus's "Ecclusiastics," and this set begins with "Wham Bam Thank You M'am" from the same '61 session. Kirk's inconsistent but gem-filled career is better suited for the confines of a 2 CD set than Coltrane's or Mingus's, and this collection makes it clear that Kirk was much more than an oddity who often played two or three reed instruments simultaneously. A saxophone iconoclast who emerged at the same time as Coltrane and Coleman, Kirk was far more willing to incorporate the playful humor of Armstrong and Gillespie, and the gospel/blues of Mingus, into the free-jazz revolution than either of his peers. This set includes 25 tracks from his 1967-'76 years on Atlantic, an unreleased live version of "Three for the Festival," and snippets of witty chatter. --Geoffrey Himes

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The New York City Public Critique Of Instrumental Reason.......2004-01-02

    There isn't too much to say about this record, except what it less-than-obviously is not (namely, a message to future generations of all ages). As Joel Dorn's for-once-respectful liner notes make clear, Kirk was a public figure in an age of public figures and perhaps one of the last of them: his famed three-horn method (a sight to see) derives from vaudeville, rather than the military brass bands of Albert Ayler's "dreams". And the absolute modernism of the "chitlin circuit" compared to various modalities of bop is something to consider, as is the very sad story about Kirk and the fusion group Stuff (who knew how to play "King Heroin", but not "A Night In Tunisia") and the extremely instructive stories about Kirk's sense of humor in the face of incredible (insuperable) obstacles. A figure richly deserving a sentimental and melancholy book, music that demands a listenership.

    5 out of 5 stars "Say A Little Prayer" meets "A Love Supreme".......2003-12-07

    As Stanley Crouch observes in his liner notes to this excellent two-disk set, Rahsaan Roland Kirk occupied an uncomfortable place in the saxophone pantheon clearly a notch below Coltrane and Rollins but clearly above professional journeyman. What set him apart (other than his absence of sight and his ability to play multiple reed instruments simultaneously) was his extraordinary capacity for synthesizing diverse musical styles, as amply documented in this excellent career overview.

    Kirk ranged from the straight-ahead bop of "Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am" from a 1961 session with Mingus, to the eerie atmospherics of "The Inflated Tear" and "Seasons," to R&B "Volunteered Slavery" and "The Old Rugged Cross" (the word play of the spoken introduction to the latter is worth the price of admission alone - I would have loved to hear what Rahsaan would have made of rap) to pop "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Say A Little Prayer" (in which he quotes the "Acknowledgement" movement from "A Love Supreme") to observations on racial and sexual relations. A cranky sort of humane-ness comes through throughout.

    If Coltrane was a seeker and Rollins a virtuoso, Rahsaan Roland Kirk was your eccentric neighbor sitting on his porch dealing out street wisdom. A worthy introduction to the career of a sadly missed musician.

    4 out of 5 stars a great introductory collection but not cohesive enough........2000-07-05

    This 2CD anthology from Rhino is a great introduction to Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The set has selections from Kirk's recordings with the Atlantic label, from his early days with Charles Mingus to his solo work. As with the other sets in Rhino's Atlantic Jazz Gallery series the production for the set is excellent. The sound is great and the 40 page booklet makes interesting reading The only reason this does not get5 stars is that the selection of tracks is not very cohesive and does not give the listener a consistent feel for Kirk. A more comprehensive set such a the Complete Mercury Recordings is ideal ,however this is much more affordable and makes a great introduction to Kirk. Be warned you will find yourself buying more of Kirk after listening to this.

    5 out of 5 stars It is a great Best-Of... but being a Best-Of is the problem.......2000-01-03

    This is a great best-of for rahsaan, to be sure, and if you don't have alot of his music already, I would recommend it highly, but being a best-of means that the songs are taken out of the context of the albums they were recorded for, and it always leaves me with a feeling like... "hey, this is great..., but what about the music I am missing?". With Rahsaan, you don't want to be missing anything. My preference for Rahsaan is actually for box sets that are entire albums like Aces Back to Back, or Dog Years in the Fourth Ring, etc. Don't avoid buying this box if you just want a little, but get hip to rahsaan and accept the fact that you can't eat just one.

    5 out of 5 stars brillant.......1999-11-21

    i dig the whole vibe on these discs.very funky and funny and great music.it has challenge to it and is daring.
    Prepare Thyself to Deal With a Miracle
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • amazing
    • The genius unnoticed...
    • It's so sad, our culture today
    • A Dream
    		 Prepare Thyself to Deal With a Miracle
    Rahsaan Roland Kirk
    Manufacturer: Collectables
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00006GFA6
    Release Date: 2002-08-13

    Tracks:

    1. Salvation And Reminiscing
    2. Seasons
    3. Celestial Bliss
    4. Saxophone Concerto

    Album Description

    Full title - Prepare Thyself To Deal With A Miracle. This long sought-after album (originally released in 1973) is available for the first time on CD and includes 'Seasons', 'Ninth Ghost' and the twenty-one minute 'Saxophone Concerto'. 2002.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars amazing.......2006-01-12

    Simply put, an incredible album that should be much better known.

    5 out of 5 stars The genius unnoticed..........2004-10-18

    Yeah, I have to agree. I actually think this cat should be as known as Stevie Wonder, Hendrix, The Beatles, and any other innovators. He truely revoloutionized the instrument(s).

    Everyone I play him to is converted. He is a gift from music.

    5 out of 5 stars It's so sad, our culture today.......2004-04-21

    Roland was a true inivator. With all the cheesy stuff aside, he was a serious black muscians supporter. Which makes me wonder why I never hear him mention on black history month. I am not black and won't pretend to know all thier is know about black culture, but I will say Roland did more for black history, than 2pac ever did. Roland play a 21 minute saxaphone solo without breathing. This man had heart. It's a shame he wasnt' bigger we would be a different musical world. He was brilliant, I have much respect for him and mainly his music. I wish more people supported him so his cd's wouldnt' constanly be in and out of print. If you like music, purchase this without hesitation, you must be prepared to feel Rhasshan!!

    5 out of 5 stars A Dream.......2003-03-19

    I am not sure when I first herad this maybe 25 years ago? It was late at night summer and it was hot outside and I could not sleep so I put on the radio and this wonderful music came from the speakers. It carried me places and allowed my mind to relax. I waited and waited for the DJ to annoucnce exactly what this new music was that I heard. He finnaly told said Prepare thyself to Deal with a Miracle. It took me a while to located an Lp and I never thought it would be issued on cd but it is. Rahsann combines elements of jazz, classical, world and himself to come up with his best album of the 1970's.
    Volunteered Slavery
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • The re-inventor of jazz
    • Don't Buy Collectables Version
    • acted too quickly
    • Music That Makes Us Cry, Love That Money Can't Buy
    • My Favourite Jazz Record
    		Volunteered Slavery
    Rahsaan Roland Kirk
    Manufacturer: Collectables
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    1. Blacknuss
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    5. We Free Kings

    ASIN: B00006IT4N
    Release Date: 2002-09-10

    Tracks:

    1. Volunteered Slavery
    2. Spirits Up Above
    3. My Cherie Amour
    4. Search For The Reason Why
    5. I Say A Little Prayer
    6. Roland's Opening Remarks
    7. One Ton
    8. Ovation & Roland's Remarks
    9. A Tribute To John Coltrane: Lush Life/Afro-Blue/Bessie's Blues
    10. Three For The Festival

    Album Description

    African chanted poetry, jazz and post-bop blues are all heard on this diverse album which features 'Search For The Reason Why', Stevie Wonder's 'My Cherie Amour' and Burt Bacharach and Hal David's 'I Say A Little Prayer'. 2002 reissue originally released in 1969.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The re-inventor of jazz.......2007-07-10

    My room is so hot! Well, it is 88 degrees (31c) in here and I am a bit ill but the main reason is the incredible insane man that invaded my room with all his reeds and flutes - including the famous stritch and some nose flute, what ever that device may be. This multi-reed storm simply jumps out of my old worn out '69 record. Rahsaan's music is exhilarating. I wish he was still alive and well for us to witness one of his live performances. Some one once told me it was a privilege to watch and hear him in one of his tours. His sound is the eighth wonder.
    What a presence. The king of modern jazz. Even the dead will rise up and dance to the crying sounds of this music dreamer.
    Kirk can handle the roots of jazz and its higher, most elusive branches. He really knows what he's doing - because he has the sense of humor so essential (e.g. "One Ton") and row power - two important attributes in jazz or any other kind of true music. He screams, he laughs, he sings, he plays. Yes, above all, he plays...literally plays with his music.
    Just for the first 5 pieces, this album is worth every cent and deserves the little time we usually have for that matter.
    He experimented with music like a real musical scientist. In his records you can hear everything. You will find him playing Swan Lake next to Coltrane, Sidney Bechet and Stevie Wonder.
    You should keep your mind open if this is your first encounter with his special music. And, yes, this music truly makes me cry - I don't know why and that is really beautiful - that is what love is all about.
    To sum it all up I will confidently say you should hear this record and then taste some more. Rahsaan Kirk sound is changing from album to album and from track to track.
    Kirk re-invented jazz in his own unique image and he deserves and demand more and more re-issues.

    2 out of 5 stars Don't Buy Collectables Version.......2007-06-08

    Once again Collectables have messed up another re-issue. The second side of Roland Kirk's Volunteered Slavery (tracks 6-10) is recorded live without pauses. On the Collectables version there are annoying 1-2 second gaps between each track. This makes the disk very hard to listen to.

    Buy the original Rhino/Atlantic re-issue. There are no gaps between tracks.

    [DW]

    3 out of 5 stars acted too quickly.......2007-03-10

    Thought this as a DVD, but it is a CD which is rather in the vein of strange jazz, acid type jazz. You will have to like his style, nothing smooth here, rather spacelike, strange percussion, broken melodies.

    5 out of 5 stars Music That Makes Us Cry, Love That Money Can't Buy.......2006-05-24

    Rahsaan Roland Kirk was not born blind; his blindness was caused by the ineptitude of a nurse who, either high or simply careless, overdosed him with too many eye drops. He said once that his entire life was an inflated tear. Kirk combined rage with sensitivity, curiosity with an almost maniacal need to push life to its breaking point.

    The entire range of Rahsaan's emotional architecture can be heard and felt in this absolutely extraordinary CD; were you to own only one Kirk CD, this should probably be it. The original LP was split, side one offered five studio tracks, including two covers of schmaltzy top 40 fare, a favorite Kirk habit. Side two featured a live performance at the 1968 Newport Jazz Festival - as blistering a piece of live jazz as has ever been recorded by anyone.

    The CD begins with Volunteered Slavery, an infectious tidbit with some very interesting lyrics. Kirk was a relentless iconoclast, and the concept of volunteered slavery is a provocative one - for black and white alike. Spirits Up Above, with choir, is an invocation, an anthem. Kirk breaks out the flute for My Cherie Amour, as is always the case when he covers a standard, he retains the original beauty while adding on layers of irony, edge, and originality. Search For The Reason Why, also with choir, is Kirk at his catchiest and most sincere - this is music you might sing in the shower. The cover of I Say A Little Prayer would probably give Burt Bacharach a heart attack. Long time Kirk collaborator Ron Burton deserves special credit here, his piano playing is particularly strong. Kirk slips into one-man orchestra mode, playing multiple horns simultaneously. This track builds steadily from one plateau to the next until it achieves a state of euphoria, something resembling religious ecstasy.

    At this point you switch over to the Newport concert and - school is out, way out. Kirk is in total control, he owns the crowd. From his outrageous comments, to his mind-boggling multi-instrumentalism, to the almost hysterical energy level, he simply overpowers and awes the audience. Every second counts, but the standout here is his eight minute tribute to John Coltrane. In eight minutes Kirk shows that he understands Coltrane as well as anyone ever has, deeply honors and respects him, and is brilliant enough to actually interpret him without losing what made Coltrane unique.

    Rahsaan Roland Kirk is impossible to categorize, which is one of the reasons he does not get the credit he so richly deserves. His exuberance and joy is not tidy, in Roland Kirk you have the splendid messiness of real life.

    5 out of 5 stars My Favourite Jazz Record .......2005-12-08

    Unbelievable! This cd mixes so many genres and moods, but the most important word here is energy. It's crazy and just pounds on your brain, but in a positvie way. You know from the very start that this is going to be great, when Roland shouts "If you wanna know how it is to be free, if you wanna know how it is to be free, you gotta spend all night in bed with me, oh yeah"... No return from there. This is one of the very very few records that makes me really happy, and still rates among the very best albums ever, all genres included. Put on the record, turn up the volume, jump up and down, and let your brain get blown out by a record that celebrates not just music, but life.

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