Search - Rahsaan Roland Kirk :: Here Comes the Whistleman

Much has been made of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's ability to play several different horns at the same time and his love for whistles and assorted noisemakers. Alas, Kirk's notoriety has overshadowed the fact that he had one of the most unique sounds of his generation. Informed by his complete working knowledge of jazz from New Orleans up to the avant-garde with lengthy side trips into the blues, Kirk's playing was singular and still rooted in what had come before him. Recorded live in the studio with an audience in 1965, Here Comes the Whistleman is Kirk at the top of his game--even if not in one of his best-known sessions--playing hard and occasionally mugging for the audience. Fellow Charles Mingus band veteran Jaki Byard sits in on piano part of the time, with drummer Charles Crosby, bassist Major Holley, and second pianist Lonnie Smith ably supporting Kirk with plenty of soulful groove and bouncing swing. Not Kirk's most famous title, but a potent reminder of what a fun and innovative artist he truly was. --Tad Hendrickson