Roland Kirk | Artist

Ronald Kirk aka Rahsaan Roland Kirk, was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist born 1935 in Columbus, Ohio. Kirk changed his given name to "Roland" and added "Rahsaan" to it after hearing it in a dream. Blind from childhood, Kirk played tenor saxophone, flute, and many other instruments. He had a huge influence on rock musicians such as Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Frank Zappa and David Jackson from Van der Graaf Generator. Kirk was renowned for his onstage vitality, during which virtuoso improvisation was accompanied by comic banter, political ranting, and the ability to play several instruments simultaneously. His playing was generally rooted in soul, jazz and hard bop, but his knowledge of jazz history and overall artistry allowed him to draw from many elements of jazz, from ragtime to swing, as well as classical music influences. Kirk released a total of 24 studio albums before his death from stroke in 1977. Among his masterpiece works are We Free Kings (1962), Domino (1962), I Talk With the Spirits (1965), Rip Rig and Panic (1965), The Inflated Tear (1968), Volunteered Slavery (1969) and Prepare Thyself to Deal With a Miracle (1973). Kirk is also recorded on several brilliant live albums including Bright Moments (1974) and Gifts and Messages: Live at Ronnie Scott's 1964 (1996). As well as leading his own bands, Kirk performed and recorded with Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones and Roy Haynes. One of Kirk's best-known recorded performances is the lead flute and solo on Jones' "Soul Bossa Nova", a 1964 hit song used in the Austin Powers films.

Artist Website: wikipedia/Rahsaan_Roland_Kirk

Featured Albums: Roland Kirk

Related Artists: Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, Roy Haynes, Ian Anderson

Video Clips: Blue Rol, On Flute, The Inflated Tear