I thought I would pay my respects and honor one of the most talented jazz musicians of all time, Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Rahsaan could outplay almost anyone on one instrument but took things even further by playing three horns at once! Because of this Rahsaan probably never really received the full recognition that he deserved as a musician. Rahsaan would play the straight alto sax (stritch), the saxello (manzello) and the tenor sax all at once! He would not only play these horns all at once but play separate melodies at the same time as well. As Rahsaan explained it "it's like splitting your brain". Occasionally he would change things up and use the clarinet as well. Rahsaan would also play two flutes at once (the standard flute and the nose flute at the same time). Rahsaan would circular breath and create an endless, uninterrupted stream of non-stop joy pouring out of his instruments. Suffering a stroke later on in life, Rahsaan had his horns and flute modified so he could still play one handed. What a talent! Oh, I forgot to mention that Rahsaan was also blind as well!
Anyway, for those of you that are not hip to Rahsaan, get hip and check him out. One of my favorite Rahsaan cd's is the double live cd titled Bright Moments. Check this one out and you will definitely be a fan! Here's a short video clip of Rahsaan in action and there are many more to be found on YouTube. Get hip!
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