Customer Reviews

Dog Years in the Fourth Ring

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The two live CD's are nothing really new to RR Kirk fans, but it doesn't hurt to hear a new twist on some of his familiar work, and the live settings allow his energy to shine through. Root Strata, though, is another matter altogether. This is different from almost anything else he recorded, and I think it takes his personal musical vision as far as he could take it. I'm tempted to give it 4 stars because it's definitely not for everybody, but if you've made it this far, it's for you. I bought this over 20 years ago, and I still haven't figured it out, I'm still floored every time I listen to it. Even if you're an RRK fan, you don't own anything like it because there isn't anything like it.

For those of you who have not yet heard this man, be prepared for a new experience. He does not simply play the music, he is the music. As Kirk relates, "I didn't ask my mother to buy me a trumpet or violin. I started right on the water hose." The first two CD's of this 3-disc collection chronicles the astral minstrel's travels through our humble Earth (mostly in Europe.) He plays standards such as Freddie Freeloader, Lester Leaps In, and I Remember Clifford with all the elegance and facility as the originals, but with a mindset truly unlike any other musician alive. His version of Giant Steps rivals Coltrane's own; his multi-horn medley of Ellington classics, "Satin Doll" and "Lover" brings tears of awe, a song called "Blacknuss" tears of inspiration. The third is a 1971 release entitled "Natural Black Inventions: Root Strata", an album that sees Kirk laying aside the 'jazz' idiom and stepping into a new realm of music. His swirling melodies mystify the listener. He plays a black puzzle flute, the black mystery pipes, the sock cymbal, the thundersheet - the uses bird noises! Chirp! Rahsaan, Celestial Piper, plays with the skill of Pan and the fire of Hades. We ought to be lucky that this visionary passed through our neck of the woods, and that somebody thought well enough to record his travels. I suggest you have a listen.

I can't fathom how he accomplished the album "Natural Black Inventions: Root Strata." It's 38 minutes of Kirk, and pretty much Kirk alone - playing tons of instruments simulaneously. One of the 13 tracks has a piano player, and making appearances on a few tracks a couple of percussionists. Otherwise it's Rahsaan, playing alone in studio without the benefit of overdubs. Mindblowing. Some of the most dramatic examples of his multi-horn playing technique (how he managed to keep time on percussion instruments while blowing three horns at once... you'd swear it isn't possible, but he did it).

The other two discs in this set feature a treasure chest of live material from a wide variety of years, pretty roughly recorded (but listenable). The showcase piece is a 13 minute tour de force performance of "I Say a Little Prayer" - this is as intense as music gets.

This 3-disc package is apparently out-of-print, but worth tracking down for Kirk fans.

If you are a big rahsaan fan and don't know whether you should get this cd, don't delay any longer. The first two cd's are previously unreleased recordings and the third cd is an album I had never seen or heard of (and I have nearly 40 pieces of rahsaan). It really is great to add this to my collection. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that for those that are not BIG rahsaan fans, there are probably some others you should buy first.

The first two CD's in this set are previously unreleased live recordings from a variety of venues, and they're pretty thrilling. Rahsaan takes standards and his own originals to higher levels, using his high energy and sharp musical wit to transform whatever he plays. His fiery deconstruction of the otherwise saccharine "I Say A Little Prayer For You" must be heard to be believed. The third CD in the set is the long-lost "Natural Black Inventions: Root Strata," an album that Kirk recorded for Atlantic where he played all the instruments. This album is so far ahead of its time that most people still haven't caught up with it. Of course it didn't sell, but thanks to 32 Jazz, you can discover this supremely psychedelic and yet completely earthy jewel for yourself.
I Wouldn't recommend this as an intro to Kirk, simply because it's too big. A newcomer would be better advised to start out with "The Inflated Tear" and work from there. However, for the Rahsaan Roland Kirk fan, "Dog Years" contains a lot of surprises and delights. As a document of what Rahsaan sounded like live, the first two CD's are more convincing than other live Kirk albums despite the sometimes bootleg-ish sound. The addition of "Natural Black Inventions" makes it a must for the Kirk enthusiast.