Black Diamond and Roland Kirk

07/21/24 • 9 min

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31-“Black Diamond” and Roland Kirk

“Black Diamond” is a lesser-known Real Book tune heavily associated with Roland Kirk, later known as Rahsaan Roland Kirk. A groundbreaking American jazz multi-instrumentalist born on August 7, 1935, Kirk was blind from infancy and mastered multiple instruments. He was renowned for his ability to play them simultaneously using circular breathing. His music, which blends hard bop, soul jazz, and avant-garde jazz, showcases profound innovation and musicality. "Black Diamond" exemplifies his talents on the tenor saxophone, manzello, and stritch. Despite a debilitating stroke in 1975, Kirk continued to perform and remained an influential figure in jazz until his death on December 5, 1977. The track captures Kirk's energy and talent.

You Tube https://youtu.be/aBN8mNVm2Zo?si=YpgRPBWHLMXTEHu4

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31-“Black Diamond” and Roland Kirk

You Tube https://youtu.be/aBN8mNVm2Zo?si=YpgRPBWHLMXTEHu4

Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=36178a8ac750404d

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Black Coffee and Sarah Vaughan

Ep. 30- Black Coffee and Sarah Vaughan. (Standards Rating 7, Difficulty Rating 6) "Black Coffee," a bluesy classic jazz standard composed in 1948 by Sonny Burke with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, has been immortalized by vocal legends like Sarah Vaughan. Vaughan's iconic 1949 rendition under Columbia Records, arranged by Joe Lipman, showcases her unmatched vocal range, technical skill, and emotive depth. Lipman's orchestration, including strings and muted brass, enhances Vaughan's nuanced delivery, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion through music. Throughout her career, Vaughan transitioned from performing in Newark clubs to international acclaim, recording with luminaries like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Her versatile talent earned her numerous accolades. "Black Coffee" stands as a timeless example of Vaughan's mastery in jazz vocals, solidifying her legacy as one of the genre's most influential and revered artists. Sarah Vaughan https://youtu.be/CRyN9wQ1taY?si=Fz5nOtLP0MeSfNdH Sonny Criss https://youtu.be/1nP6G_we-z8?si=nyahd5A5HFyFUkP3 Playlists https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=699973ad1c254079

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Black Narcissus and Joe Henderson

32- “Black Narcissus” and Joe Henderson

Joe Henderson, a brilliant saxophonist born in 1937, melded traditionalism and experimentalism in his music. His 1969 track "Black Narcissus," from the album Power to the People, exemplifies his innovative style. The 24-bar tune in 3⁄4 time features an AB form, with the A section lasting 16 bars and the B section 8 bars. Its melodic simplicity and harmonic complexity, marked by whole-step motion and lack of a key center, create an open, engaging soundscape. Henderson's tenor saxophone, accompanied by Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes, Ron Carter on double bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, delivers a captivating performance. The track showcases Henderson's ability to build intensity, particularly during the bridge, and highlights the synergy between the soloist and the rhythm section.

Joe Henderson https://youtu.be/WSQA61ENeRc?si=rscdXqcVsXr9rPre

Flora Purim https://youtu.be/jXBMywgcGYU?si=lAt8uJ6Jzhs-QI6y

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