Kirk, Rahsaan Roland
(1935–1977)
Kirk, RahsaanRoland (7 Aug 1935–5 Dec 1977) One of most innovative musicians in jazz history, Kirk pioneered many unorthodox performing techniques, including circular breathing, playing two or three saxophones at once, and simultaneously singing and playing the flute. Beyond these novelties, his improvisational skills as a soloist and encyclopedic mastery of jazz styles, from Dixieland to free jazz, were of the highest order. In addition to incorporating many instruments rarely used within jazz…