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Writer's pictureNate Holder

Rahsaan Roland Kirk - "The Inflated Tear" | Oct 18th

Rahsaan Roland Kirk was a multiinstrumentalist well known for playing multiple instruments at the same time, and his incredible ability to circular breath. He became blind when he was just 2 years old, and performed or recorded with the likes of drummer Roy Haynes and Charles Mingus. He famously played the flute solo on Quincy Jones' tune 'Soul Bossa Nova'. Kirk suffered a stroke in 1975 which left him partially paralyzed on his left side. He modified his instruments so he could play with one hand, but unfortunately passed away in 1977 from a second stroke.

Ideas for discussion questions:

  1. How many instruments does Kirk play in this video?

  2. What is difficult about playing 3 saxophones at the same time?

  3. What do you think 'the inflated tear' could mean?

  4. Kirk was blind. How do you think someone with sight, might experience music differently to someone who can't see?

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