Customer Reviews

Man Who Cried Fire

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I disagree with the previous review. While songs are cut off, this is NOT a regular album, but rather a lot more like a documentary, and the complete songs that are here are really excellent. The whole concept is different than a "regular" album.

I have never liked the way that Rahsaan Roland Kirk is often treated as a novelty and circus act (as you can guess, neither did he) rather than the completely legitimate, incredibly talented, highly individual artist that he actually was. Dorn's Kirk release, The Man Who Cried Fire sets the record straight, offering a view of Kirk as one of the most expansive musicians in the jazz canon, right up there with Ellington and Coltrane. Kirk's music was the living embodiment of the history of jazz, from its pre-jazz heritage in New Orleans marching bands through the development of the blues and early jazz, right through bebop and the avant-garde and on into the soul and R&B work of some of Kirk's contemporaries in the popular music industry. The opening track, "Slow Blues", is nothing short of amazing and provides a rare opportunity to hear Kirk on clarinet. In fact, there is more clarinet work here than on any other Kirk recording, which is a blessing by any standard.

The Man Who Cried Fire is a fantastic sound documentary on one of jazz music's most intrepid individualists. Whether you are familiar with the work of Rahsaan Roland Kirk or not, this CD is essential to your collection and will give you much pleasure on repeated listening.

The Man Who Cried Fire sheds light on just how incredible Kirk was in concert. Unlike any other live recording out there, it brings together numerous sides of his ability under one roof. For me the piece entitled "New Orleans Fantasy" alone is worth the price for the disc. Combined from two separate performances we get to hear Rahsaan play with a traditional New Orleans brass band, and man does he turn it out. The second part of the piece is "The Black & Crazy Blues," based on a Crescent City funeral march. Priceless!!! Other highlights among many are a duet with Jon Hendricks, Kirk rapping to the audience as only he could and two examples of his steller clarinet work. Approach this CD like an audio scrapbook of jazz history, and you can't go wrong. I for one don't mind getting the chance to be a fly on the wall at a long gone Rahsaan Roland Kirk concert!

I'm giving it three stars because of the cut offs in some of the songs. The production could have been better.

I realize that this is, well, it is what it is. Its not a perfect recording. But there are some things on here worth listening to. There is one of his famous "solo - duets" that is beyond belief. And his live version of "You Did It", a blues where he plays and sings / raves into his flute, is as frightening and intense as an exorcism.

I remember the first time I was lucky to catch Kirk live, playing on Chicago's north side along the waterfront in a little cafe. He blew the 50 amp fuse in everybody's head, at least those listening. Kirk opened many doors for me, and I am thankful he walked among us and blew his heart and soul with all his horns and amazing sound devices. Where ever you are, Rahsaan, the stars shine brighter for you. Keep Playing, art saves.

If you like the Atlantic\WARNER BROSS period of Rahsaan you will enjoyed these live songs never available before on Cd. The flute is singing on You did it, you did it, enjoyed the show!

They're reissuing this? Why? This was a half-baked collection of out-takes. Sometimes the songs cut off mid-way. Of all the Rahsaan albums I have, I never listen to this one, and wasn't surprised that it was no longer available. There are so many good original Rahsaan disks out there, as well as good anthologies, this one just adds nothing to what you already know. Even if you're a beginner, get the Mercury Recordings or something better than this.