Dog Years in the Fourth Ring cover

Released 30 years ago

Dog Years in the Fourth Ring

Rahsaan Roland Kirk · 1996

95 min · 19 tracks · swing · hard bop

A vibrant tapestry of jazz textures intertwining with Kirk's signature multi-instrumental prowess and emotive improvisations.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant improvisations that inspire exploration
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • cathartic moments of soulful expression
  • patient grooves inviting deep listening
  • interwoven textures that reward focus

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer straightforward, single-focused albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, 'Dog Years in the Fourth Ring' marked one of the final projects from Rahsaan Roland Kirk before his passing in 1977. This album showcases his continued evolution as an artist, blending hard bop with innovative arrangements that reflect his unique vision. It follows a period where Kirk had solidified his reputation as a pioneering force in jazz, known for his eclectic style and virtuosic performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Charles Mingus· Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Box Tops and Whistlin’ Rings 0:19
  • 2 Domino 5:02
  • 3 Blues for Alice 6:18
  • 4 I Remember Clifford 3:37
  • 5 Freddie Freeloader 5:31
  • 6 Lester Leaps In 5:02
  • 7 Sister Sadie 6:02
  • 8 One Mind/Seasons 4:42
  • 9 I Say a Little Prayer 12:58

Disc 2

  • 1 Jammin’ With a Wolf 0:25
  • 2 Three for the Festival (excerpt) 3:51
  • 3 Untitled Blues 7:23
  • 4 Passion (Dance) 8:09
  • 5 Petite Fleur (Little Flower) 7:34
  • 6 Giant Steps 4:13
  • 7 Misterioso/Blue Monk (excerpt) 1:03
  • 8 Rahsaantalk 0:25
  • 9 Multi-Horn Medley: Satin Doll/Lover 6:19
  • 10 Blacknuss 6:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata