The Vinyl Masters: Kirk's Work

Dive into the soulful and explosive world of jazz with "The Vinyl Masters: Kirk's Work," a captivating collection of tracks by the legendary Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Released on June 10, 2016, this album is a testament to Kirk's virtuosity and innovation, featuring a blend of free jazz, hard bop, and bebop that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Rahsaan Roland Kirk, born in Columbus, Ohio, was a blind American jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader, renowned for his ability to play multiple saxophones simultaneously. "The Vinyl Masters: Kirk's Work" is a reissue of his third LP, originally released in 1962, where Kirk teams up with organist “Brother” Jack McDuff for one of his most soulful post-bop sets to date.

The album kicks off with "Three For Dizzy," a tribute to the great Dizzy Gillespie, followed by a lively rendition of "Makin' Whoopee." Kirk's signature style shines through in tracks like "Funk Underneath" and the title track "Kirk's Work," showcasing his unique circular breathing technique and multi-instrumental prowess. Other highlights include the upbeat "Doin' The Sixty-eight" and the whimsical "Skater's Waltz."

With a duration of just 34 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful journey through Kirk's musical genius. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Vinyl Masters: Kirk's Work" is sure to leave you impressed by Rahsaan Roland Kirk's extraordinary talent.

Rahsaan Roland Kirk, born Roland Kirk in 1935, was a pioneering American jazz musician whose innovative techniques and remarkable versatility left an indelible mark on the genre. Blind from the age of two, Kirk's musical journey began in the 1950s, and he quickly gained recognition for his ability to play multiple horns simultaneously, creating a unique and captivating sound. Kirk was a true post-modernist, blending elements of free jazz, hard bop, bebop, and more, to create a continuum of jazz that was entirely his own. His virtuosity on the saxophone was unparalleled, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting soloists in jazz history. Beyond his musical prowess, Kirk was a visionary and a mystic, inspiring a wide range of artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Frank Zappa. His albums, such as "Prepare Thyself To Deal With A Miracle," "Rip, Rig and Panic," and "Blacknuss," are testaments to his genius and continue to captivate audiences today. Kirk's legacy as a composer, arranger, and bandleader is a testament to his enduring influence on jazz and music as a whole.