Watch Rahsaan Roland Kirk Live in 1964

Rahsaan Roland Kirk Live in 1964 is a remarkable jazz music documentary that chronicles the live performance of the legendary jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The documentary was recorded in Denmark in the year 1964 during the European tour of Kirk's band. The documentary is a visual testimony of one of the most innovative saxophone players of all time.

The film starts with Kirk's quintet's arrival at a small Danish town where they will perform. The director, Dick Fontaine, captures Kirk's flamboyant style, quirky humor, and distinctive talent in a vibrant and compelling way. The film manages to show the audience not only his music but Kirk's inner workings as a man, musician, and mentor.

The film opens with the quintet walking down the street and carrying all of their gear to the concert hall. Kirk's bandmates include Steve Novosel on bass, Jimmy Hopps on drums, and Ronnie Matthews on piano. The film captures the band's excitement as they walk through the streets of Denmark, leading to the concert hall. Throughout the film, the camera is always moving, creating a rhythmic movement in time with Kirk's music.

Throughout the documentary, the audience is exposed to Kirk's unique performance. He is known for playing multiple wind instruments simultaneously and he is able to make some incredible soundscapes using this technique. During the film, the audience gets to see Kirk's talent with the tenor saxophone, flute, manzello, stritch, and several other instruments.

One of the highlights of the documentary is a performance of Kirk's composition "Three for the Festival." The song is written for the Newport Jazz Festival and features Kirk playing three saxophones simultaneously. The piece starts out slow and gradually builds up in tempo before reaching a frantic climax.

Another exceptional performance in the movie is a rendition of the standard tune "Alfie." The song is performed as a ballad, and it features Kirk on flute. His playing is soft, yet melodic and the performance is both complex and soothing.

The documentary also highlights the different personalities in Kirk's band. While Kirk is the main attraction, the audience realizes that he is just one part of the whole. There are moments where the other musicians take the lead, creating intricate and brilliant solos that demonstrate their mastery of their respective instruments.

Kirk's eccentric style and showmanship are highlighted throughout the documentary, revealing his idiosyncratic humor. For example, during one of his performances, he has trouble getting his hats in order and spends several moments struggling with them, which is met with laughter from the audience. His mannerisms and little jokes lend a lot of character to the documentary, making it a joyous and entertaining watch.

Throughout the film, director Dick Fontaine also used innovative camera techniques such as jump cuts, close-ups, and slow-motion to capture Kirk's music, his style, and the audience's reactions. These techniques add to the energy and excitement of the performances, creating an experience that takes the audience closer to the performer and gives them a true sense of what it was like to be there among the fans in 1964.

In conclusion, Rahsaan Roland Kirk Live in 1964 is a must-watch for any fan of jazz music. The film captures one of the most exciting live performances in jazz history and documents one of the most unique and innovative artists of all time. It is a fascinating and enjoyable documentary that highlights Kirk's talent, personality, and humor. The movie manages to capture his spirit and makes the audience feel like they are present at the concert hall during the show. This documentary is a testament to Kirk's musical genius and his unique approach to jazz.