Rahsaan Roland Kirk

The Profile

American jazz multi-instrumentalist known for playing multiple wind instruments simultaneously and for using flute as a primary instrument; blind from infancy and active from the 1950s until 1977.

Born Ronald Theodore Kirk (August 7, 1935 – December 5, 1977). Blind from infancy. Adopted the name Rahsaan and performed as Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Known for simultaneous performance on multiple reed instruments (e.g., tenor sax, manzello, stritch) and for theatrical, eclectic live performances.

DeBaser's review praises Rahsaan Roland Kirk's eccentric, multi-instrumental approach and highlights Bright Moments (live, recorded June 1973) as a peak. The review emphasizes Kirk's use of flute as a primary instrument, his simultaneous playing of multiple reed instruments, and the album's mixture of lively and melancholic tracks. Collaborations and notable earlier albums are also mentioned.