So, Roland Kirk is a cat I haven’t explored much. He was a blind multi-instrumentalist capable of playing several instruments at the same time. On this album his quartet is merged with the Benny Golson Orchestra, with Golson serving as a conductor and arranger.
The result is very interesting, with big band vibes on side 1 (here the Golson Orchestra is featured) but in a good way, with very nice arrangements and individual solos. Favorite pick on this side is the last tune ”Variation on a Theme”.
On side 2 we only have the Roland Kirk Quartet and the vibe is definitely different here. It’s stripped back, smoother and less bombastic. Some lovely arrangements. The mix here seems better as well with more detail, a cohesive, natural sound with plenty of air and the double bass is very prominent, which I enjoy. All tunes on this side are wonderful but I enjoy ”Get in the Basement” in particular a lot. The bass sound on this is so heavy. Roland Kirk plays the tenor so good and his sound is big, warm and deep.
This album flies a bit under the radar perhaps but it’s highly recommended.