Name: Here Comes The Whistleman
Brand: Roland Kirk

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

LPMH8261C

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Colour

Orange

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-03-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

090771826114

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Total Cap

Orange LP

Artist

Roland Kirk

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Modern Harmonic

Modern Harmonic is an imprint of a renowned music label that was launched in 2016. With a focus on delivering exceptional musical experiences, Modern Harmonic brings together a diverse range of artists and genres to create unique and captivating sounds. From reissues of classic albums to groundbreaking new releases, this label is committed to providing music lovers with the highest quality recordings and memorable listening experiences.

With its extensive catalog, Modern Harmonic offers something for every music enthusiast. Whether you're a fan of jazz, rock, soul, or experimental sounds, you'll find an impressive selection of albums that showcase the best talent from around the world. Each release is carefully curated and remastered to ensure optimal sound quality, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the artist's vision.

As an authoritative voice in the music industry, Modern Harmonic has gained recognition for its commitment to preserving and celebrating musical history. By unearthing forgotten gems and shining a spotlight on overlooked artists, this label plays a vital role in keeping our cultural heritage alive. With their dedication to excellence and passion for great music, Modern Harmonic continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be at the forefront of contemporary music.

Rahsaan Roland Kirk, born on August 7, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio, was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He became renowned for his exceptional talent as a blind saxophonist who could play multiple wind instruments simultaneously. His main instruments were the tenor saxophone, the stritch and the manzello - two unique saxophones that he personally modified to accommodate his innovative playing technique.

Kirk's ability to play more than one saxophone at once originated from a dream he had and he dedicated himself to making it a reality. In addition to this remarkable skill, he also mastered circular breathing techniques which allowed him to sustain notes for extended periods of time - reportedly over an hour. Inspired by a dream as well, around 1970 Kirk added "Rahsaan" to his name.

Throughout his career, Rahsaan Roland Kirk played various musical instruments including clarinets and flutes alongside his beloved saxophones. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of jazz music. Sadly, he passed away on December 5th, 1977 in Bloomington, Indiana due to a stroke.

Sightless, peerless, multi-instrumentalist, Roland’s Kirk’s 1967 debut for Atlantic is a monster of a live set from ‘65 featuring pianists Lonnie Liston Smith and Jaki Byard, bassist Major Holley and drummer Charles Crosby - all put to tape in Atlantic Studios NYC. Cut all analogue, pressed on orange vinyl. 

Think of Rahsaan Roland Kirk and a series of images flick through one’s mind. There he is, black beret and shades blowing three saxophones at once, next he’s draped in a kaftan with bells, horns, flutes, whistles and all manner of strange things hanging round his neck and then in a frock coat and top hat playing his saxophone on a street corner. He’s one of the most surreal sights you’ve ever seen and each image contains a thousand narratives. One of the things that made Kirk so special was his rapport with an audience. They weren’t just there to watch and listen. They were part of the show. Kirk would hand out whistles to the punters then lead them pied-piper-like out of the club and into the street. Nothing beats having seen Rahsaan live but Here Comes The Whistleman is a fine live date with some great music, featuring separately pianists Jaki Byard and Lonnie Smith. In a way, the spoken intros are key to the atmosphere of the record. Kirk has the audience eating out of his hand and as soon as he puts the horn to his mouth you are there with him at that moment.

Here Comes The Whistleman

Music GB