Roland Kirk Live in Paris
Maison de la Radio 1970
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Cast
Rahsaan Roland Kirk — Bandleader, clarinetist, saxophonist
The Vibration Society
Dick Griffin — Trombonist
Ron Burton — Pianist
Vernon Shelby Martin — Double bassist
Jerome Cooper — Drummer
Joe "Habao" Texidor — Tambourine
Program notes
There is an eccentric image associated with Rashaan Roland Kirk, the blind reed maestro who played three instruments at the same time, incorporated humor into his solos and politicized his speech. From an early age, his career was carried by the novelties he offered – at age 15 he was on the road playing with Boyd Moore's band, tearing up the joint each night with his virtuoso, two-horn solos. Yet, his place within the pantheon of jazz history is defined simply by serious, hard-earned musicianship. It was Kirk's sound that remained in people's memories: a muscular, daring timbre that painted unique exploratory soundscapes.
Here in Paris he is joined by the stellar cast of Vibration Society for a performance that represents a high point in his playing style. 1970 was the year he added "Rashaan" to his name after hearing it in a dream, a word that symbolized his own values (strength, humor, nobility) and he was moving into one of the most politically-engaged, active periods of his career. By the mid-70s his health deteriorated and a series of strokes pulled him from the stage for good. This performance starts with "Sweet Fire," a dreamy epic that oscillates between floating bliss and red hot horn blowing, and finishes with an interpretation of "Say A Little Prayer," a song immortalized by the great Aretha Franklin.