Hubert Laws – The Laws Of Jazz (1964)

There are some jazz fans who find little to get excited about when it comes to certain instruments. The jazz bagpipes of Rufus Harley Jr. and Dorothy Ashby's harp are novel, but hardly enflame the passions and therefore have a limited following. Likewise, the flute was generally considered a second or third tier instrument in …

Eric Dolphy – Out To Lunch! (1964)

In the days before I listened to lots of jazz, I listened to lots of Frank Zappa. Like everyone else I had a copy of Kind Of Blue but had no real idea of what I was listening to. Apart from Miles Davis, the musicians names listed on the cover were anonymous to me although …

Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Prepare Thyself To Deal With A Miracle (1973)

Many Of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's albums may well resemble a crazed carnival ride, but inspired artistry is ever-present. As a soloist on sax, clarinet, flute, manzello (a customised soprano sax actually called a saxello), or stritch (an alto sax with a French-horn bell) he could play with explosive outrageousness or with incredible poise and grace. …