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RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK
Left Hook, Right Cross (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
Left Hook, Right Cross is the latest installment in the movement that producer Joel Dorn calls the "Rahsaanaissance." The fifth Kirk package from 32, this double CD presents the two albums generally tagged as Kirk's most "commercial." Of course, commerciality is a relative thing, and while the presence of some familiar material did create a little uptick in the sales of the original releases compared to previous efforts, the music is pure, uncompromised Rahsaan. Even a Burt Bacharach chestnut like "I Say A Little Prayer" became something very different and very special in the hands of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. In this case, it became the vehicle for an impassioned tribute to the recently assasinated Dr. Martin Luther King.
"I Say A Little Prayer" appears on 1969's Volunteered Slavery, which occupies disc one of this set. In addition to Bacharach, Kirk covers Stevie Wonder ("My Cherie Amour"), introduces the Roland Kirk Spirit Choir (he hadn't quite yet become Rahsaan at the time of this release) and offers up some excellent original material, including the classic title track. The most memorable tracks on the disc for me, though, are those from his 1968 set at the Newport Jazz Festival. As he says when introducing "One Ton," "it ain't gonna get any lighter." And it doesn't. The three song John Coltrane medley should dispell any questions about whether Rahsaan could play as straight ahead as he wanted to, or take a solo as out as he chose. "Three For The Festival" is another classic Roland Kirk composition, and this may be its definitive performance.
Disc Two presents the 1971 recording Blacknuss, which is dominated by R&B material from writers including Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, along with traditional gospel and more captivating origninals. If this album was a direct play for commercial attention, it was asking for no more than this remarkable artist deserved, and once again his performances were uncompromised. He may have chosen a contemporary set list for the sessions, but he gave every track a dose of his special magic. This is, after all, a man who could turn David Gates' "Make It With You" into a soul drenched blues workout. Really.
If you haven't joined the Rahannaissance yet, Left Hook, Right Cross is a great place to start, but it's definitely not the place to stop. Joel Dorn's commitment to getting and keeping this stuff on the shelves at attractive prices is a gift to all of us. Be sure to unwrap yours soon.
Track Lists:
Disc One:
Volunteered Slavery: Volunteered Slavery * Spirits Up Above * My Cherie Amour * A Search For The Reason Why * I Say A Little Prayer * Roland's Opening Remarks * One Ton * Ovation & Roland's Remarks * A Tribute To John Coltrane: Lush Life/Afro Blue/Bessie's Blues * Three For The Festival
Disc Two:
Blacknuss: Ain't No Sunshine * What's Going On/Mercy Mercy Me * I Love You Yes I Do * Take Me Girl, I'm Ready * My Girl * Which Way Is It Going * One Nation * Never Can Say Goodbye * Old Rugged Cross * Make It With You * Blacknuss
© 1999 - Shaun Dale