Go Ahead, Indulge 3: Rahsaan Roland Kirk

 

Pushing the envelope is a big understatement.

Put together a pennywhistle, a noseflute, another flute, alto, tenor and  soprano saxophones - everything but the kitchen sink - in two very able hands, powerful lungs, a mouth, a nose and a healthy dose of imagination and a highly passionate brain  - you get moving, in-your-face music - you get Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

And less two eyes. Kirk was blind.


Strong proof that absence of sight does not necessarily imply absence of vision, though. 

He had a strong vision of what the music was, and where its headed. More than simply being a multi-instrumentalist and playing one instrument after the outher, he plays them simultaneously. He was the band leader, with a resume as a sideman for Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, and Roy Haynes.


Another case of extremely beautiful music from an extremely inspiring soul.

Its not everyday, folks!

Photo courtesy of Jojo Montinola

Its not everyday that you get to play with a senyor. 

I've played with church mates,  bandmates, backing tracks, friends, enemies, with my mom -  I even play with my dogs and my toys.

But a senyor? Not everyday, man. 

And - beat this - a very warm, friendly, talking and perfectly unpretentious senyor?  That is absolutely priceless. The amazing Tots Tolentino on tenor saxophone, 2011 'International' Bacolod Jazzfestival, February 19, 2011.