Search - Rahsaan Roland Kirk :: Blacknuss

A Miracle

Jack Young | San Marino, CA United States | 07/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just noticed this album hadn't been reviewed. So I felt it my duty to enlighten you. Look, this guy is such a genius. His music will be listened to forever. As to this album: It's more "arranged" than most of his albums and somehow covers more utterly unpredictable bases than most. At the same time it is also more melodic than his normal album. He's "covering" some very pretty and entrancing songs (melodies). This album is so full of a kind of wild, energetic beauty that you will laugh out loud, cry, reflect on failures and triumphs. Yes, it's great jazz and great art. I'am not gonna get into much about individual tunes, but will leave you with this: Listen to "The Old Rugged Cross". The performance is like nothing you could ever possibly imagine. The energy, intensity, beauty and triumph invested in this one tune is just monumental. And remember, Roland is not an "out" or "free" musician; his music makes musical sense. If not moved to ecstasy, time to start thinking about your burial plot."

Accessible

TheBandit | SEA-TAC | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I always have thought that Roland Kirk is one of the most accessible jazz musicians for non-jazz fans. People who aren't accustomed to listening to jazz or even just instrumental-based music in general sometimes feel intimated about getting into it. I've talked to people who feel basically if you aren't a skilled musician or if you don't have an education in music, that you can't get into jazz. It's too bad there is that perception. The music of Roland Kirk crosses genres often, and "Blacknuss" is one of those crossovers that gets into R&B and pop. It's really not even a jazz album. He covers Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine" and the Temptations "My Girl." His version of "Never Can Say Goodbye" is almost too soulfull for words, you just need to hear it. You remember the old Bread song "Make It With You" - I mean, you just won't believe what you're hearing when you hear Kirk reinvent this song.



One of my favorite things about Kirk is his flute playing, and there is a flute showcase on this that is simply mindblowing: "Which Way Is It Going," where he just goes wild.



Overall, this is a very good way to get interested in Rahsaan's music, especially if you haven't heard him before. The man was basically superhuman, it's that simple. That's not a superlative or an exaggeration, but rather a hard fact. If you haven't heard him, you really should, because his skills were unmatched.



This album came out in 1972."

B-l-a-c-k-n-u-s-s

T. Snyder | AZ | 02/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A fairly good 1972 release from Rahsaan, master of reeds. This album has a very soul/r&b-based sound which is played with great fire and emotion. The first half is stellar, but the second half has a few really bad songs which dampens my enthusiasm. Rahsaan sounds amazing at one point in 'Old Rugged Cross' where he's playing two or three horns at the time without any pauses. It's the only instance of I've ever heard of; definitely a unique person.Overall very good and recommended for your more R&B funk jazz fan."