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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A real treat for Rahsaan fans, March 16, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Dog Years in the Fourth Ring (Audio CD)
Recorded over a period of 11 years (1964-1975), the first two CD's of "Dog Years" is a set of previously unreleased live recordings done by a amateur "tape collector". It is an outstanding collection of performances by one of jazz's most talented musicians, whose repertoire of songs covered here ranges from Bechet to Bacharach. But the song selection rarely mattered anyway, as Kirk made every song his own, a showcase for his vast abilities. On these sides you hear Kirk expertly play the roles of a master simultaneous multi-instrumentalist, an enthusiastic ambassador of jazz, and above all else, a true entertainer. His treatment of "I Say A Little Prayer" is vintage Kirk on covering sappy pop tunes: he parodies it just enough for you to believe that he never cared for the original, either, but not so much that you don't take *his* version seriously. The third CD, "Natural Black Inventions", was a 1971 release taken back out of the vault for this box set. Like the reviewers before me, I find the music almost indescribable. Most tracks are not fully formed songs, but rather, a potpourri of basic music forms from around the world. What is most incredible about this session is that Kirk employs all sorts of percussion and wind instruments, played live and often simultaneously. It's unbelievable that there are no other musicians on this record. The one-star demerit is primarily for the bootleg quality recording of the live CD's and the sheer intensity of the music that makes for difficult listening on a regular basis to this novice reviewer. But, if you desire a collection of true jazz records, it probably won't be complete without this one.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Long Live Rahsaan!, March 2, 2000
This review is from: Dog Years in the Fourth Ring (Audio CD)
Have you ever been eating oysters and found a pearl inside? Well, me neither, but I figure it's got to be pretty close to what I felt like when I first heard this set. I really wasn't expecting it to be that way when I bought it. Usually, in the past, when a new "long undiscovered" live recordng has been released by an artist after his death the results are almost universally disappointing. However, being the fan that I am of Rahsaan's work, I figured that it was worth the risk. Boy, am I glad I did! The performances, sound quality, and even the innovative packaging are incredible. Two full cd's of what I must say is some of the most exciting music that I have ever heard. Producers Joel Dorn and John Kruth have put together a set that brings together all of the aspects of Rahsaan's playing that initially drew me to his music nearly 20 years ago. Also included on the 3rd cd is "Natural Black Inventions= Root Strata". This was an album originally released on Atlantic records,but never sold very well when it first came out. It,however, truly shows the extent of his amazing ability. Except for one or two exceptions, Rahsaan plays every instrument on the album SIMULTANIOUSLY! No overdubs. I'll give you the pleasure of discovering the rest for yourselves. One final bit of praise: check out the subperb liner notes. They are a joy to read. Long live Rahsaan.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars Are Not Enough, July 27, 2001
This review is from: Dog Years in the Fourth Ring (Audio CD)
Kirk has been called many things over the years. I have always refered to him as a true genius. Though I needed no additional proof of this, these sessions turned out to be another head shaker. As often as I have listened to his work over the years, including seeing him live in the '60s in the cozy and long lamented Royal Arms in Buffalo, I continue to be stunned every time I hear something of his I had never previously experienced. These discs were no exception. Who else but RRK could take the saccarine "I Say a Little Prayer" and turn into brilliant, melodic chaos of the most intense sort. But perhaps above all, listen to Roots Strata. Though this was one of Kirk's worst selling albums, it is incredible; possibly his greatest recorded session. There is not a weak link in the entire 13 cuts. I was transfixed. If you love jazz, and don't know RRK very well, listen to Dog Years (and other great recordings by this genius), keep an open mind, forget about his so called gimmics, and you will hear some of the most incredibly intense, melodic music you've ever encountered. If you already love Kirk, this will add major strength to the affair.
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