The Atlantic/Rhino anthology line has delighted novices and angered purists who have balked at what they deem questionable inclusions and exclusions, plus non-chronological sequencing and liners with plenty of personal anecdotes but limited musical analysis. The 31 selections on this two-disc set range from 1961 to 1976 and cover
Rahsaan Roland Kirk originals, covers, straight jazz, pop/soul, gospel-backed and hard bop workouts, and feature both live and studio segments. While it is a bit jarring to hop from the early '60s to the '70s and back, series compiler
Joel Dorn opted for stylistic organization rather than session exactness. Any hardcore
Kirk fan will want the individual albums the label is reissuing. Otherwise, the anthology serves its purpose, which is to spotlight a brilliant player and make you want to hear more. ~ Ron Wynn