Rahsaan Roland Kirk (tenor sax, flute, manzello, stritch, whistles, vocal etc); Rahn Burton (piano); Steve Novoset (bass); Jimmy Hopps ( drums)
It was back in 1967 when I was incredibly fortunate to hear Roland Kirk at one of the Durham colleges and, to this day it remains high on the list of my all-time greatest gigs. I drove home in a trance absolutely mesmerised by what I'd heard.
That was the same year that this very same quartet recorded Seek and Listen at the Penthouse Club in Seattle so, in many ways, I'm reliving the past with the comforting knowledge that my judgement hasn't been nostalgically coloured over the ensuing 58 years.
The Jump Tune: A brief riff mainly featuring the rhythm section. Kirk announces his arrival with a whistle note. A tenor solo with lots of circular breathing brings the track to a close.
Alfie: The song and the film with its Sonny Rollins soundtrack was riding high around that time and Kirk manages to incorporate both tunes to the delight of the folks in Seattle and those such as myself who were present in Durham.
Mingus-Griff Song: I doubt if anyone slept in Seattle when this barrage of sound hit them. Rahsaan came on all horns blazing. A big band in one man's clothing. Two or three, maybe more mouthpieces in his gob. Blowing discordant harmonies, even trading fours with himself. A few whistle blasts added to the mix then a breather and Burton carries the baton before passing it on to Novoset. Underneath all the shenanigans Hopps is dishing out if you can't stand the heat get off the band stand drumming before having a couple of minutes of his own before Rahsaan's 'big band' calls time.
Medley: A placebo to the previous jazz band brawl? Maybe, maybe not. It begins sedately enough with Rahsaan blowing Every Time We Say Goodbye. Somewhat different to Ella's version but I don't think Cole would have been turning in his grave. However, the intensity deepens with I Got it Bad - the leader singing as well as fluting. More Duke with In a Sentimental Mood, Sophisticated Lady and Satin Doll. The full monty unleashed on the latter number with solos by all including the amazing Hopps.
Bagpipe Melody - Happy Days Are Here Again: All sorts of esoteric sounds from the guvnor's arsenal of whistles. Hypnotic drums, more discordant harmonies, whoops and hollers from the musicians. Rahsaan nods to the tune before the fire breaks out in the pet shop.
Ode to Billie Jo: A vamp 'til ready intro leading to the goings on up on the Tallahatchie Bridge. Extensive piano solo by Burton that draws the applause and Novoset too is heard to advantage. Soulful tenor to close.
Prelude to a Kiss: More Ellington. Nice swingy lilt to what is normally a bit dirgelike (sorry Duke). Amazing to realise the horn solos are all by Kirk - live and with no overdubbing!
Funk Underneath: Classic blues playing flute, it's as funky as the title implies. James Galway fans look away now!
Lovelleveliliquoy: Don't ask me what it means or if I've spelt it correctly. It is a long word and I doubt if Mr Webster has it in his directory. Still it swings which is what it's all about otherwise it don't mean a thing. Jimmy Hopps!!!
Now Please Don't Cry, Beautiful Edith: The most beautiful track on the whole album. Kirk simply oozes romance and the three others, including Hopps, are also big in that department.
Making Love After Hours: More extraordinary flute playing. Incredible double tonguing, a vocal blues interspersed with horn riffs. This was party time at the Penthouse and Rahsaan and his crew certainly rocked the joint that night - just as they did in Durham. Lance
Both* are 2-LP sets which will be released by Resonance Records at participating Record Store Day retailers on RSD Black Friday, November 28, 2025. They will also be available on CD on December 5.
*A second release by Kirk - Vibrations in the Village will also be available on the above date. Both albums are previously unreleased.
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