The legendary Rahsaan Roland Kirk this weekend – In concert at Palais des Sports in Paris on November 13, 1973 and preserved for posterity by Radio France.
I read an article where the headline proclaimed “Rahsaan Roland Kirk – the greatest Jazz Player no one has heard of” – I beg to differ. A LOT of people know who Rahsaan Roland Kirk is – anyone with even a passing interest in Jazz knows who Rahsaan Roland Kirk is. How could you not?
Certainly one of the most dynamic, innovative, controversial and downright superhuman Jazz artists ever to grace Planet Earth. His performances were jaw-dropping experiences – not only because of the feats of breath control and ability to play three different instruments simultaneously but of the sheer beauty and expression Rahsaan Roland Kirk possessed with his deep love for the wind instrument and the places music could go.
Yes, it would be easy to pass off the artistry as more gimmick than profound, but that would be over-simplifying the gift – the ability to paint complex and engrossing soundscapes in rich colors and textures (further evidence being blind has limits to a point) was no joke. Sometimes masked as humorous asides – but the laughter garnished is the brain being tickled by the engrossing beauty of what this man was accomplishing – can’t help but laugh because it hits our emotional sweet spot and the resulting joy it brings.
Needless to say, Rahsaan Roland Kirk had a huge following – his was one of the most profound and original voices in the later 20th century and to call him unknown does his legacy a disservice – he is as fresh today as he was in 1973 when this concert was recorded – fifty-two years on, the magic hasn’t diminished – the brain still tickles – the smile is from having your mind blown. All good stuff.
It’s Sunday – relax – get comfortable and press play – while you’re at it, investigate what is a rich and rewarding catalog of some brilliant and engrossing work. You owe it to yourself: Investigate here.
