Kirk Lightesy

Roland Kirk, the amazing one-man saxophone section and sublime soloist, had yet to add "Rahsaan" to his name when he recorded his first album for Prestige in 1961. It wasn't yet quite clear to many, even people at the center of the jazz community, that Kirk's gifts went considerably beyond the ability to play three horns at once.

Previously unreleased recording from the legendary multi-instrumentalist Kirk. Kirk’s influence and following reaches far beyond Jazz. Hendrix idolised him and it’s easy to see why. His appetite for ripping up the rulebook has brought kudos and admirers from all sides, giving him a status and respect that ensures an unearthed, never before released recording such as this added importance.

"Left & Right" is an album by jazz multi-instrumentalist 'Rahsaan' Roland Kirk. It was originally released on the Atlantic label in 1968 and features performances by Kirk with Jim Buffington, Julius Watkins, Frank Wess, Ron Burton, Vernon Martin and Roy Haynes with Warren Smith, Richard Williams, Dick Griffith, Benny Powell, Daniel Jones, Pepper Adams, Alice Coltrane, Jimmy Hopps and Gerald "Sonny" Brown featuring on an extended track and arrangements by Gil Fuller.

Roland Kirk was arguably the most exciting soloist the jazz world has ever seen. Blind since childhood, Kirk developed a unique sensitivity to sound that he parlayed into all sorts of interesting ideas, most notably the ability to play two or three instruments simultaneously. For a while the vaudeville nature of this trick overshadowed his prodigious talents as a soloist. He was capable of great tenderness as well as bursts of aggressive lines and knew how to construct a solo better than many. This compilation captures his recordings from 1968-1974.

Legendary Crowbar frontman Kirk Windstein goes solo on Dream In Motion. Making his solo debut a whopping 29 years after his first album with Crowbar, New Orleans sludge legend Kirk Windstein remains a force to be reckoned with, even when standing alone. Like fellow riff overlord Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed), releasing a record under his own name has led Kirk to dial back the heaviness in favour of melody and reflection.

One of the endearing qualities about this record is that it’s maintained its mysteries. Decades later, maybe it’s time to unlock a little of the origin story.

Like a long-lost Holy Grail album from the mid-seventies, Kirk Degiorgio’s latest project explores both Modal Jazz and Seventies Jazz Fusion in the Library album format. Side One swings with a vengeance with its tight arrangements built around acoustic bass, electric piano and glorious analogue synth leads and side 2 takes us on a journey of funk fuelled, percussive workouts and heavy breaks. The contribution of renowned session drummer Chris Whitten adds to the authenticity of the album as does the use of vintage, analog synths.

It is hard to listen to a posthumous released recording without reflecting on what the world has lost in their absence. Pianist and composer Frank Kimbrough was an individual who was beloved by all who knew him. A true musician’s musician and mentor to many, Kimbrough’s legacy lives on in his work and the lives that he touched. His passing in 2020 has left a hole in the heart of the jazz world.

On his third release, Copehagen-based jazz drummer and composer Snorre Kirk has realized his most ambitious project to date. Featuring a full-length suite in eight movements, made to measure for a seven-piece ensemble, the album offers a tonal parallel to Scandinavia as seen through the eyes of the composer and as told through the language of jazz.

Introducing Roland Kirk is the second album by jazz multi-instrumentalist Roland Kirk. It was originally released on the Argo label in 1960.