Several different jazz saxophonists team up to present the music of
Rahsaan Roland Kirk in a way it has never been done before -- faithfully. The frontmen include
Joe Lovano,
Michael Marcus,
Donald Harrison,
James Spaulding,
John Stubblefield,
Craig Handy, Justin and Scott Robinson, Eric Alexander,
Jed Levy, and
Jimmy Greene.
Xavier Davis is all over this date, playing piano on ten of the 13 tracks. Bassist
Dwayne Burno and drummer
Nasheet Waits comprise the rhythm section, while appearances are made by pianists
Hilton Ruiz and
Jaki Byard, one-time
Kirk running mates. The music is immaculately selected and played in
Kirk's vibrato-laden, blues-drenched style. Marcus picks up stritch and manzello for the "The Haunted Melody," and Harrison's alto and Handy's tenor coalesce beautifully during "Gifts and Messages." It takes no less than five saxophonists to match
Kirk's sonic gestures on the stark, dramatic "Inflated Tear," with Levy leading on tenor followed by Greene,
Justin Robinson's alto, Scott's baritone, and Marcus on stritch. Lovano shines on two cuts, his vibrant blues overtones punctuating "No Tonic Prez" and "Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith." Stubblefield and Spaulding star on the hip, urgent "Pedal Up" and "Blue Rol." Byard does an elegant solo version of "Bright Moments," and
Justin Robinson's alto highlights "April Morning." This CD easily holds one's interest, and richly reminds us of the position that
Kirk held as the most creative instrumentalist the world has ever known. Recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos