Bright Moments

Sound DNA

• Jazz
• Soul Jazz

• raw
• chaotic
• spiritual

About

Of the handful of outstanding live albums that Rahsaan Roland Kirk recorded over the course of his career, <i>Bright Moments</i> holds a special place because it was recorded at Kirk’s favorite club, San Francisco’s Keystone Korner, a small room that held just 175. Club owner Todd Barkan booked a diverse array of poets, comedians and musicians, and his patrons all agreed that the room contained uncommon warmth and uplifting feeling. Kirk is fuelled by this feeling on <i>Bright Moments</i>, which was recorded over two nights—June 8 and 9, 1973. The herculean saxophonist was always at his best in front of a crowd, but this set is elevated because of a specific alliance of band, place and moment in time. The music is loose and full of love. “You’ll Never Get To Heaven,” “Dem Red Beans and Rice” and “Pedal Up” are just a few of the performances that memorialize this long-forgotten party, but listeners should not skip Kirk’s between-song patter. Full of jokes, knowledge and strands of history and philosophy, his asides are not only a crucial part of this performance, but a window into the maestro’s soul.

via Apple Music

Tracklist

Credits