Wally Heider’s Archive

Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Bright Moments – Atlantic Records/ PurePleasure / Hi Horse – vinyl (2)

by Audiophile Audition | Sep 20, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

An energy transfusion from Rahsaan Roland Kirk… Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Bright Moments – Atlantic Records/ PurePleasure / Hi Horse PPAN SD2-907 (2 vinyl set) – 1973 ****1/2: (Rahsaan Roland Kirk – tenor sax, flute, stritch, manzello, nose flute; Ron Burton – piano; Henry Pearson – bass; Robert Shy – drums; Todd Barkan – synthesizer, tambourine; Joe Habao – percussion) When inspired by a hip jazz audience in an intimate setting, the inimitable Rahsaan Roland Kirk was a force to be reckoned with. His energy was palpable and his enthusiasm stoked the audience into a frenzy. One of his favorite clubs was San Francisco’s Keystone Korner, owned by Todd Barkan. Unlike many jazz club owners, it was all about the music for Barkan, and not just running up the cover charge with drink minimums. One of the best live recordings in Kirk’s career was an engagement at the Keystone in 1973, fully documented on two LPs on Bright Moments. That title became a mantra for Rahsaan, as his inspired playing opened the light for his fans until his passing four years after this recording, mostly as a result of a stroke in 1975. To the casual jazz fan, Rahsaan is […]