A forum for discussing matters of moment, from a curmudgeonly perspective. (The ideas posted here do not necessarily represent those of any organization with which I am a part). Rude and insulting remarks will not be published, but civil disagreement is welcome.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Roland Kirk, Circular Breathing, and Amazement
Roland Kirk plays, "I Want to Talk About You," a piece earlier done beautifully by John Coltrane. Kirk was blind since a young age and often played several reed instruments at once. He could be his own horn section. This is why he looks like he just got off the airplane--loaded down with equipment. On this piece, he sticks to the tenor. He plays most of the ballad without stopping to breathe. This is done by using a technique called circular breathing, and Kirk was the master of it. So, be initiated into the strange world of Roland Kirk (d. 1977).
Yes...Kirk was a legend. Also, check out Oden Pope, among the other great tenor players who breathe tautologically!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I still don't know how he can play 3 reed instruments at once. That's some serious chops!
ReplyDeleteYou know who else knows how to do circular breathing? Kenny G! Now that's real jazz, man. :)
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