Kirk was born Ronald Kirk on 7th August 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, but felt compelled by a dream to transpose two letters in his first name to make Roland. After another dream in about 1970 he added Rahsaan to his name.
His playing was generally rooted in soul jazz or hard bop, but Kirk's encyclopedic knowledge of jazz history allowed him to draw convincingly on any element of the music's history, from ragtime to swing and free jazz. Kirk also regularly explored classical and pop music.
Kirk played and collected a vast number of musical instruments, mainly various saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. His main instruments were tenor saxophone, and two obscure saxophones: the manzello (similar to a soprano sax) and the stritch (a straight alto sax lacking the instrument's characteristic upturned bell). Kirk modified these instruments himself to accommodate his simultaneous playing technique. He typically appeared on stage with all three horns hanging around his neck, as well as a variety of other instruments, including flutes and whistles. Kirk also played harmonica, cor anglais, recorders, and was a competent trumpeter. He often used unusual instruments or combinations of instrument parts, using a saxophone mouthpiece on a trumpet or playing nose flute. He additionally used many extramusical sounds in his music, such as alarm clocks, whistles, sirens, and even primitive electronic sounds (before such things became commonplace).
In addition to the saxophones, Kirk was also an influential flautist, employing several novel techniques that he developed himself. One technique was to sing or hum into the flute at the same time as playing. (This technique was adopted later by many other players, including Jeremy Steig and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.) Another was to play the standard transverse flute at the same time as a nose flute.
You
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Lyrics
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That this heart of mine embraces all day through
In that small cafe, the park across the way
The children's carousel,
The chestnut trees, the wishing well
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll find you in the morning' sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
The lyrics to Rahsaan Roland Kirk's song "You" are a testament to the power of memory and the strong emotions attached to it. The singer speaks of seeing a person, "You," in familiar places that evoke feelings of comfort and warmth within their heart. These places range from a small cafe to a park to a children's carousel, places that are reminiscent of joyful moments spent together. The singer further explains that "You" will also be present in every lovely summer's day, every cheerful moment, and concludes that they will always think of "You" in that way.
The second half of the song mentions the singer's search for "You" in the morning sun and when the night is new. It is apparent that this search is not a physical one, but an emotional one, as the singer looks to the sun and moon to feel connected to "You" once again. The repetition of "I'll be seeing you" throughout the song highlights the singer's constant thoughts of "You," the persistent presence of their memory.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places
I will constantly be reminded of you when I revisit nostalgic locations that my heart cherishes.
That this heart of mine embraces all day through
Each day, I hold dear every special moment that my heart is passionately connected to.
In that small cafe, the park across the way
Whenever I step into that cozy cafe or see the park across the street, my thoughts will always lead to you.
The children's carousel,
Turning circles on the enchanting carousel of my childhood, I envision you beside me reliving those joyful memories.
The chestnut trees, the wishing well
As I pass by the chestnut trees and wishing well, I am filled with fond memories of us sharing laughter and dreams.
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
My love for you will forever be entrenched in everything bright and delightful, especially in splendid summer days.
In everything that's light and gay
My thoughts of you will always evoke a sense of joyful lightness in my heart and soul.
I'll always think of you that way
My love and admiration for you will continue to persist in that same light and happy manner, no matter how much time passes.
I'll find you in the morning sun
Each new day carries the hope and promise of discovering you again in the light of the morning sun.
And when the night is new
Even as the night descends, beginning anew, my thoughts will follow the same trail leading to you.
I'll be looking at the moon
As I gaze up at the radiant moon, it will remind me of all the magic you bring into my life.
But I'll be seeing you
No matter where I look or what I do, all paths lead back to thoughts of you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardvolet3970
The best jazz flutist period. Using avante garde extended techniques, he gave the flute a powerful jazz voice for the first time. And as to this little gem...no one ever played the blues better than Rahsaan.
@arcticwanderer2000
Sam Most came before Kirk and was well established with his humming bebop style before Kirk began his musical career. Most set the standard for much of the flute playing in the 50"s.
@joeg46Highlands
@@arcticwanderer2000 Most was also involved in establishing the Berklee/Aebersold conformity that has made American jazz so tedious.
@johnharpdalton7766
Circular breathing a flute - wow! Such joy and creativity in Kirk, an absolute genius, and who cannot love his music and character!
@Zopf-international
Bright moments to everybody who stopped by here.
@danjv
Rahsaan brought joy into anyplace he was. In the clubs, on the stage, in the street and even in an airplane. I never flew with him but it was told that he would take out a recorder flute and play along with the pitch of the engines. He first made music by blowing into the garden hose. They got him a trumpet and he excelled. The pressure was too much for his eyes and he switched to reeds. The rest is Jazz History.
@gregf.4814
Thanks for the post of one of many musicians I wish I could go back in a time machine to see. I’m from New Orleans, so the I don’t understand what’s going on with that crowd. I’d be losing my shit and shouting along - not simply applauding! That’s the for real blues, baby…
@onamemmet
Circular breathing on a flute is outrageous. What an icon.
@danibosnjak2902
One and only . The greatest . The finest. The everything. My idol. I love him
@alecgross12
Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Eric Dolphy are my fav flute players. They really elevated the instrument, IMO.