RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK - Kirkatron + Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real (2005) 2xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This issue combines two late-period Rahsaan Roland Kirk albums: Kirkatron, begun shortly before the major stroke that debilitated him and shortened his life, and Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real, his first attempt at a comeback and his final recording. Kirkatron hosts three tunes recorded for it, and nine more that were outtakes from the preceding 5000 Lb. Man sessions, and a few from the Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival concert. As such it does contain a number of tunes that define the man at the height of his powers including a cover of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," the live "Serenade to a Cuckoo," and a fine "Bright Moments." His bandmates on the date include a young Hilton Ruiz on piano and Steve Turre. Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real does stand in contrast to Kirkatron. The intensity and intention is there, but it's more subtle, informed no doubt by the fact that Kirk had taught himself to play with only his left hand because his right had been rendered unusable by the accident. He also employed a full string section, taking his music into a new direction. But there are beautiful and deeply soulful moments here, as well, including "Summertime," the wonderfully up "Dorthaan's Walk," the deep blues of "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor," and the barrelhouse title track which opens the set.
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Kirkatron    
1    Serenade To A Cuckoo    3:38
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2    This Masquerade    5:29
 Leon Russell
3    Sugar    3:27
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
4    Los Angeles Negro Blues    1:27
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk / Stanley Turrentine
5    Steppin' Into Beauty    6:42
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
6    Christmas Song    3:34
 Mel Tormé / Robert Wells
7    Bagpipe Medley    2:15
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
8    Mary McLeod Bethune    2:23
9    Bright Moments    4:11
 Todd Barkan / Rahsaan Roland Kirk
10    Lyriconon    4:10
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
11    Night In Tunisia    4:58
 Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli
12    J. Griff's Blues    7:43
Traditional
Credits :
Boogie-Woogie String Along For Real    
1    Boogie-Woogie String Along For Real    8:53
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2    I Loves You, Porgy    1:48
 Ira Gershwin
3    Make Me A Pallet On The Floor    7:18
 Traditional
4    Hey Babebips    5:06
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
5    In A Mellow Tone    6:15
 Duke Ellington
6    Summertime    1:39
 George Gershwin
7    Dorthaan's Walk    7:12
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
8        Watergate Blues    6:34
 Percy Heath
Credits :