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I had the chance to listen to him in Montreux Jazz Festival in 1975 and he made fire in the place. All the audience were stood up crying yealing. A total madness. I remember the tune Miles mode (J. Coltrane tune) played with two saxes and a trumpet in the same time, sounding like Miles. So much time passed, I still have goosebumps and vertical hairs. A pure pure genius. I have one broadcast a year dedicated to him in the radio I work, to introduce him to the public. So underrated musician. (Sorry for my bad english, I'm frenchie).
This MAN was a clear GENIUS, I'm really surprised that someone as young as you are listening to him...and I want to say, that's wonderful Heline! Many Flautists have never heard of him! I first heard him as a child in 1964 with his classic, "You Did It, You Did It, You KNOW You Did It!" Check out that one!
Roland Kirk was a genius no question, the norm just got thrown out the window, totally underrated, made some incredible music in the 50's,60's and 70's even carried on playing more than one sax despite having a stroke, a sad loss way to young!
Fun fact about Rahsann Roland Kirk, Jimi Hendrix was going to make an album with him before he died! But he is the greatest of all time in my opinion. Great video, hope you do some more Roland Kirk, he truly was one of a kind!
Kirk also made or altered instruments. His primary saxophones were a standard tenor saxophone, stritch (a straight alto sax lacking the instrument's conventional upturned bell), and a manzello (a modified saxello soprano sax, with a larger, upturned bell). Kirk modified instruments himself to accommodate his simultaneous playing technique. I'd be interesting to hear your reactions to his songs We Free Kings or Blacknuss.
One of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's most famous solos was his flute solo in Quincy Jones's "Soul Bossa Nova" from the Austin Powers movies! Hubert Laws has maybe the most beautiful flute tone I've heard. Eric Dolphy is also someone else worth checking out.
I think you'd love his live album " Bright Moments " . It was recorded at the Keystone Corner and the fun vibe captured is infectious . I heard a cut from this on a late night drive thru Iowa back in the 70s and found my first vinyl copy when my work trip was finished . After almost fifty years , it remains in my stack of favorites .
Actually, Ian was doing these techniques (singing while playing, etc.) and somebody told him he sounded like Roland Kirk and should check him out. So he did and that’s when he learned Serenade for a Cuckoo
Kirk could play two saxes at the same time. As in both in his mouth and playing different 'parts' simultaneously, as if it was two people playing separately. If you weren't looking, you wouldn't notice. The videos are fun and rough-edged. There IS perfection, but on his recordings, it is pure virtuoso performance. His ability on flute, clarinet or sax is absolutely incredible.
Roland Kirk was a musician you couldn't invent. It took his own particular genius for that! He was a virtuoso on nearly any instrument he played, and his knowledge of jazz ran from ragtime to whatever was current when he played! There are few cover versions of his tunes because most of them would take a full sax section. A lovely example of Roland on a single instrument is his manzello solo on A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square!
Circular Breathing is so fun! Took me 3 weeks of continuous playing on my didgeridoo to get it down but even 3 years later it's as easy as breathing ^~^
That was fun :) Rahsaan Roland Kirk was quite amazing - so creative, original, and experimental. A very long time ago I wore out the vinyl record that this comes from, "I Talk to the Spirits", which is an album of sort of straight ahead jazz, on flute. You'd probably like the whole thing. I always was charmed by the song "Fugue'n And Alludin'" a vibraphone-flute duet. And yes, he was known for circular breathing and playing multiple simultaneous saxes that were wired together so he could play, for example, three saxophones all at once :)
I've been a Tull fan since the early '70's. I had no idea about the Roland Kirk connection, Thanks for sharing that. Warning; Once you become an Ian Anderson fan, you can't go back :)
The last time I saw Rahsaan, maybe a year or so before his death, he played a circular breathing run for maybe 45 minutes without stopping except to move those fingers. And this was really only half his fingers.... because he had a stroke which greatly curtailed his playing. It didn't stop him from wearing his usual "regalia" though..... he would sometimes work one of those paralyzed fingers onto a sax key and play a note ala bagpipe drone. So happy to see musicians still discovering Kirk's genius.
You know the reason I knew about this is only because on Jethro Tull's very first album he actually does that very song serenade to a cuckoo and then I noticed it was written by this Roland Kirk so you might have to check out Jethro Tull's version to hear what Ian Anderson added to the whole thing you know all right my dear
i had Jethro s album as a teen with serenade to a cuckoo and its Fantastic . Its quite the production from Ian . I never knew it was not Ians own work till now . TY
Hello Helene, he was a great man. Seeing that you enjoy discovering new things, try this by Mr Kirk... th-cam.com/video/vlcpPvXIbD8/w-d-xo.html I have played it to musicians I know, mainly guitarists and keyboard players and they all say, yeah it's great. But I ask what's remarkable about it, and they don't know. The first two and a half minutes is continuous, but they didn't get it. I played it to a trumpeter and he spotted it immediately.
Heline I recommend you check out the flute work of Swedish flutist/keyboardist/composer Björn Json Lindh. He has done music that are both classical/progressive rock/jazz fusion and also several film scores in the 70's and 80's. His flute playing reminds a lot of Ian Anderson and Roland Kirk, but it is more atmospheric. Here is one clip "Lastbrygga" : th-cam.com/video/vPmBLEe_a7M/w-d-xo.html
In an audio biography about Kirk it mentioned that, when he was a kid, he listened to Swing orchestras on the radio...and he assumed that only one person was playing horn parts. That assumption led Kirk to play 2-3 saxes at a time, and other instruments simultaneously. He was friends with Jimi Hendrix, and unfortunately IMHO they both were accused of being gimmicky and shallow. But I must say that seeing the man at Detroit's Bakers Keyboard Lounge in 1974 that nothing was further from the truth. Same goes for Jimi who I saw in 68 and 69.
I'm a Tenor Sax player who has dabbled with the flute. Years ago, I tried learning how to close off my throat and do circular breathing, but didn't get very far. R. R. Kirk is one of my 3 favorite Jazz Tenor Sax players. Too bad he died too young.
Sorry, if someone has explained this. He called it circular breathing. He could play sax, flute, whatever, without stopping for a breath. Oh, just saw caption.
I really enjoy your reaction videos. I play trombone and listen to Bill Watrous. He was with Chick Corea and Burton Laws playing Spain. Phenomenal flute solo by Laws. You must check it out.
i don't find the use of the nose disgusting at all. the mouth is even worse if you think about it. it's not like he's putting it in his mouth after it going into his nose! :)
I'm glad you entered the world of Jazz flute. There are some great players you can check. And if you want something similar to Ian, but in a Latin Jazz context check this video by Dave Valentine: th-cam.com/video/GuwS0n3oUxA/w-d-xo.html
Being musician & understanding and commenting music like homeless understands life in the castle - it is a shame. Like Frank Zappa said - you can make more money as a butcher!
Most of the reactions are demonetised because I'm using copyrighted content and the copyright holders don't think it's fair use.
If you'd like to support making these reactions you can buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/helinereacts
Now you have to listen to Jethro Tull's version. You will find it on their album "This Was". IMO it is better than Kirk's original.
I had the chance to listen to him in Montreux Jazz Festival in 1975 and he made fire in the place. All the audience were stood up crying yealing. A total madness. I remember the tune Miles mode (J. Coltrane tune) played with two saxes and a trumpet in the same time, sounding like Miles. So much time passed, I still have goosebumps and vertical hairs. A pure pure genius. I have one broadcast a year dedicated to him in the radio I work, to introduce him to the public. So underrated musician. (Sorry for my bad english, I'm frenchie).
This MAN was a clear GENIUS, I'm really surprised that someone as young as you are listening to him...and I want to say, that's wonderful Heline! Many Flautists have never heard of him! I first heard him as a child in 1964 with his classic, "You Did It, You Did It, You KNOW You Did It!" Check out that one!
Roland Kirk was a genius no question, the norm just got thrown out the window, totally underrated, made some incredible music in the 50's,60's and 70's even carried on playing more than one sax despite having a stroke, a sad loss way to young!
This man was blind from the age of two. It makes what he does even more impressive!
And explains why he hung everything around his neck
Roland Kirk is great, really unique and fun.
I LOVE your shocked reaction. The nose flute he calls it.
You are right.... around 03:40 he was circular breathing. He was the MASTER of this!! His trademark. He could hold a note indefinitely.
Cool reaction video. He was an amazing musician, and he was also blind.
And I believe half paralyzed but still performing later in his life
Fun fact about Rahsann Roland Kirk, Jimi Hendrix was going to make an album with him before he died! But he is the greatest of all time in my opinion. Great video, hope you do some more Roland Kirk, he truly was one of a kind!
He was known as a master of circular breathing.
Circular breathing too !
Watching you'r video made me very happy! I never heard of the guy!
Kirk also made or altered instruments. His primary saxophones were a standard tenor saxophone, stritch (a straight alto sax lacking the instrument's conventional upturned bell), and a manzello (a modified saxello soprano sax, with a larger, upturned bell). Kirk modified instruments himself to accommodate his simultaneous playing technique. I'd be interesting to hear your reactions to his songs We Free Kings or Blacknuss.
You can see the influence on the young Ian Anderson's technique.
In the UK was also Harold McNair.
I think Jeremy Steig did this style, too (after a lip injury)
Heline, your reactions are a lesson about tolerance and understanding! You are really trying to listen to others with an "open ear". Congratulations!
One of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's most famous solos was his flute solo in Quincy Jones's "Soul Bossa Nova" from the Austin Powers movies!
Hubert Laws has maybe the most beautiful flute tone I've heard. Eric Dolphy is also someone else worth checking out.
Listen to Yusef Lateefs, "Stay With Me". a warm and sensitive display of his skill.
I also recommend James Moody's solo on "Darben The Redd Foxx" with Dizzy GIllespie.
The Jamaican Flautist/saxophonist Harold McNair was one of the great jazz flautists. He had a huge, full tone and superb technique.
Rahsaan oli ÄIJÄ!
Pure brilliance...
He's a poet, the rest is just the virtuoso way he expresses that.
I think you'd love his live album " Bright Moments " . It was recorded at the Keystone Corner and the fun vibe captured is infectious . I heard a cut from this on a late night drive thru Iowa back in the 70s and found my first vinyl copy when my work trip was finished . After almost fifty years , it remains in my stack of favorites .
This guy was great !!!
Actually, Ian was doing these techniques (singing while playing, etc.) and somebody told him he sounded like Roland Kirk and should check him out. So he did and that’s when he learned Serenade for a Cuckoo
Kirk could play two saxes at the same time. As in both in his mouth and playing different 'parts' simultaneously, as if it was two people playing separately. If you weren't looking, you wouldn't notice. The videos are fun and rough-edged. There IS perfection, but on his recordings, it is pure virtuoso performance. His ability on flute, clarinet or sax is absolutely incredible.
I love his work❤
I heard Robert Plante say that Led Zeppelin would call in sick, when Rahsaan was in town.
And Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull also loved him.
I’ve said it before. Your reactions are priceless.
Yes !
Roland Kirk was a musician you couldn't invent. It took his own particular genius for that! He was a virtuoso on nearly any instrument he played, and his knowledge of jazz ran from ragtime to whatever was current when he played! There are few cover versions of his tunes because most of them would take a full sax section. A lovely example of Roland on a single instrument is his manzello solo on A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square!
Have you heard Jethro Tull's version of this song?
its Fab !!
There was definitely a jazz influence going on with early tull .
Kirk thank Ian and J.t for put atention to to him again playing serenate for a cockoo on there first album "This was" (in a slower version).
Kirk was a Master musician
love it🎉😂❤
Circular Breathing is so fun! Took me 3 weeks of continuous playing on my didgeridoo to get it down but even 3 years later it's as easy as breathing ^~^
My God..............actual Jazz being played on a reaction video.........rare indeed............Eric Dolphy is waiting ???
Still waiting...
That was fun :)
Rahsaan Roland Kirk was quite amazing - so creative, original, and experimental.
A very long time ago I wore out the vinyl record that this comes from, "I Talk to the Spirits", which is an album of sort of straight ahead jazz, on flute. You'd probably like the whole thing. I always was charmed by the song "Fugue'n And Alludin'" a vibraphone-flute duet.
And yes, he was known for circular breathing and playing multiple simultaneous saxes that were wired together so he could play, for example, three saxophones all at once :)
thanks for this. I might have get a DVD. ( parefer vid. conceert to studio usually
I've been a Tull fan since the early '70's. I had no idea about the Roland Kirk connection, Thanks for sharing that.
Warning; Once you become an Ian Anderson fan, you can't go back :)
Also check out Harold McNair from Jamaica!!
yes
The last time I saw Rahsaan, maybe a year or so before his death, he played a circular breathing run for maybe 45 minutes without stopping except to move those fingers. And this was really only half his fingers.... because he had a stroke which greatly curtailed his playing. It didn't stop him from wearing his usual "regalia" though..... he would sometimes work one of those paralyzed fingers onto a sax key and play a note ala bagpipe drone. So happy to see musicians still discovering Kirk's genius.
You know the reason I knew about this is only because on Jethro Tull's very first album he actually does that very song serenade to a cuckoo and then I noticed it was written by this Roland Kirk so you might have to check out Jethro Tull's version to hear what Ian Anderson added to the whole thing you know all right my dear
i had Jethro s album as a teen with serenade to a cuckoo and its Fantastic . Its quite the production from Ian . I never knew it was not Ians own work till now . TY
He slowed it down and dropped and dropped a half step. I always played Ian's version but am now covering it in a current band Kirk style!
Yeeeaaaa🎉
Yes, It is circular breathing
Hello Helene, he was a great man.
Seeing that you enjoy discovering new things, try this by Mr Kirk...
th-cam.com/video/vlcpPvXIbD8/w-d-xo.html
I have played it to musicians I know, mainly guitarists and keyboard players and they all say, yeah it's great. But I ask what's remarkable about it, and they don't know.
The first two and a half minutes is continuous, but they didn't get it.
I played it to a trumpeter and he spotted it immediately.
Heline I recommend you check out the flute work of Swedish flutist/keyboardist/composer Björn Json Lindh. He has done music that are both classical/progressive rock/jazz fusion and also several film scores in the 70's and 80's.
His flute playing reminds a lot of Ian Anderson and Roland Kirk, but it is more atmospheric.
Here is one clip "Lastbrygga" :
th-cam.com/video/vPmBLEe_a7M/w-d-xo.html
That was good. I like the Moomin t-shirt too. Moomintroll?
In an audio biography about Kirk it mentioned that, when he was a kid, he listened to Swing orchestras on the radio...and he assumed that only one person was playing horn parts. That assumption led Kirk to play 2-3 saxes at a time, and other instruments simultaneously. He was friends with Jimi Hendrix, and unfortunately IMHO they both were accused of being gimmicky and shallow. But I must say that seeing the man at Detroit's Bakers Keyboard Lounge in 1974 that nothing was further from the truth. Same goes for Jimi who I saw in 68 and 69.
th-cam.com/video/zmqLRh9ByUY/w-d-xo.html flute solo at 3:05
I'm a Tenor Sax player who has dabbled with the flute. Years ago, I tried learning how to close off my throat and do circular breathing, but didn't get very far. R. R. Kirk is one of my 3 favorite Jazz Tenor Sax players. Too bad he died too young.
Кто у кого черпал джетро талл у кирка или наоборот 😁👏👏
Second time watching this video Heline, I am commenting again to help the TH-cam Algorithm gods. :)
Sorry, if someone has explained this. He called it circular breathing. He could play sax, flute, whatever, without stopping for a breath. Oh, just saw caption.
Don't you want to play jazz after this, Heline? I'm sorry I never got to see him live.
Obviously, this is who Ian learned from, as if you only heard the music you’d swear it was him! Thanks Heline, your a sweetheart!
...on the other hand, you couldn't mistake Ian Anderson for Roland Kirk.
Lol😂
What about reacting to Giorgio Pacchoni ocarina videos? 🥰
hope he cleaned the nose thingy
I really enjoy your reaction videos. I play trombone and listen to Bill Watrous. He was with Chick Corea and Burton Laws playing Spain. Phenomenal flute solo by Laws. You must check it out.
Kirk liked to get multiple sounds happening at once, that’s a why instruments are hanging all over him
Thank you for this, fascinating! Got to see his last performance live in Indiana Univeristy's Frangiapani Room! Phenomenal!
It would be cool if you would react to native American flute. I know it's a completely different instrument. But is might be fun!
i don't find the use of the nose disgusting at all. the mouth is even worse if you think about it. it's not like he's putting it in his mouth after it going into his nose! :)
yes he circle breathed on all instruments …
👍
Such a funny video :)
UoU
I'm glad you entered the world of Jazz flute. There are some great players you can check. And if you want something similar to Ian, but in a Latin Jazz context check this video by Dave Valentine: th-cam.com/video/GuwS0n3oUxA/w-d-xo.html
Being musician & understanding and commenting music like homeless understands life in the castle - it is a shame. Like Frank Zappa said - you can make more money as a butcher!
Shows that trying to make sense of RK from a classically trained perspective doesn’t really work too well.
Flautist pronounced 'flortist'.
You are really cool and beautiful 😍
Ambush ad causes me to not continue watching.